It sounds like you had an abundance of what really matters! That must've been a wonderful thing to learn about your husbands acts of kindness. That's the best legacy a person can leave.
The hedonic treadmill is the worst! So many people fall into that trap and then neither appreciate or enjoy anything they have, they're always fixated on the next great thing that will make them "happy".
When helping others—how did you and your husband determine who really needed help and who were looking for a handout?
We helped people we knew were struggling, but still made the best with what they had, proud people who did not expect any handouts. We always tried to do it subtly, but hubby was the expert;) One example is when he paid for someone's driving school lessons; I only found out later. I still try to help where I can, not always in the form of monetary help, but in many other ways.
That is just so sad! But that's exactly what it is, empty lives, really!
That sounds like a good way to approach it! : ) I try to help in other ways too. I'd rather try to teach people things so they become more self-sufficient. Giving, when it's not anonymous, can be such a slippery slope.
It is sad! It's created such a merry-go-round of consumerism.