GEN1177 A person who wishes to do chesed should publicize that he has something which others might need.  Rabbi Yonoson Eybescheutz notes that the Torah emphasizes the fact that Rivkah carried her water pitcher upon her shoulder.  Others would hide their pitchers to avoid the bother of lending them out.   Rivkah, however, publicized the fact that she had a pitcher so that people might ask to borrow it.   (Tiferes Yonoson, on this verse).   It was customary in ancient Jerusalem that a cloth would be placed on the outside of the door to indicate that strangers are welcome to come inside and partake of a meal.  Baba Batra 93b.  I have seen notices in present-day Jerusalem advertising cassette tapes of Torah lectures which can be borrowed from a certain private individual free of charge.   Other signs publicize an offer to lend medical supplies free of charge.   PLYN 90