Days Remaining to Finish Cooking Class: 74 Average Grade: 98%
On Saturday mornings, when we are in town, my husband and I have gone to our local food pantry to help serve lunch. We started volunteering at Circle U in April and have enjoyed every minute. It has been a blessing to be able to help this community treasure. Most of the people are so grateful to have somewhere to go and receive a hot meal. Most of them say “Thank You,” when they come through the line and it’s very heart-warming to know you’re helping make their life a bit easier during these difficult times. I have really enjoyed being a part of this community outreach program.
I am usually delegated to the “dessert” table which I absolutely love. I figure that if I can’t eat any of those gluten-laced treats at least I can serve them to those that can enjoy them. I’m amazed how many desserts we get in from our local stores. We receive food and desserts from Meijer, Kroger, Marsh, JoAnn Bakery, Earlham College, and even Reid Hospital. It’s a true community effort.
Like I said, everyone is very respectful and I have only witnessed one altercation since I’ve been helping. A man was angry with another patron and they began to exchange words. The director had to tell him to leave, and to my knowledge, he hasn’t been back. Apparently if you misbehave, you are banned. Good to know 🙂
I have to say, though, that my heart sunk today. We were cleaning up and getting ready to leave when a little girl, about 6 years of age, came in and said she was lost. Even though it has begun to warm up in Indiana, we had just had a hard rain come down and she was wet and had short sleeves. She had her little hands clasped in front of her chest as if she were praying and said that she was, “so cold.” Thank God for good people like the director of the program. He grabbed up some food and was going to follow her home, as a couple of the kids that were eating there said they knew where she lived.
Hard stuff!
It was a gentle reminder, for me today, to cherish each day and the blessings God showers on us all ……….
My husband and I humbly returned home to our oasis.
“When you volunteer, you are not paid in money or recognition. You are paid in love. People will forget what you said and they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
xoxo, Katy
*Original post from 5/20/17