The NYTimes had a brilliant article a few days ago, and I am just getting around to blogging about it now.

In an article titled "Not Laid Off? How to Aid the Less Fortunate". Ron Lieber shows some quick ways to help people who are not as fortunate as you.

The first tip is, if your laid-off friend is technology-impaired, help them set up a LinkedIn profile. While you do that, also help them sign up for the LSN LinkedIn group.

If possible, allow your friends to use your computer facility. At the very least, offer to print out or copy some resumes and cover letters for them. But please do not abuse your employer's equipment, or you may be joining your friend in the unemployment line.

Help them meet people who can assist them with jobs: make introductions, share ideas, and if possible, take them to industry gatherings with you.

If possible, offer to babysit--this may allow a job-seeker to go to an interview without spending money on a sitter.

Don't bother buying your friends fancy dinners--it may actually make them feel inadequate that they can not reciprocate at the same level. A good home-cooked meal, a prepared dish dropped off at their house can save your friend only a few dollars, but the gesture will mean much more.

If you are familiar with eBay, you can help them get set up on eBay to raise some cash. If you have a digital camera and they don't; you ccan take photos of their items.

If they are trying to sell their houses, again, you can take photos, or help them clean up the house and stage it.

Remember: kind acts and kind words are needed by your less fortunate friends.

So what have you done to help a jobless friend?