“Why would they help strangers? What do you give them?”
Last week, a girl at Real World Job Development (RWJD) helped me to unload my car and – as we were carrying in the food that you had donated – she asked me these questions, repeatedly, staring at me in disbelief. She could not comprehend that you would want to help her out of the kindness of your hearts, expecting nothing in return.
Once she was able to grasp this concept – one that has been foreign to her all her life, until now – she finally said, “Tell these people Thank You. It is nice to know that people care about you. Life is easier because we know there is food.”
Food. My life is centered around this word. I’m always thinking of new ways to obtain food, new ways to collect food, or I am emailing people to ask for food. At times, it is overwhelming but then I talk with the youth at RWJD, like this girl.
Your food not only provides her with security and nourishment, but it also is expanding her understanding of human nature and restoring her faith in others. It is teaching these youth firsthand the meaning of this holiday season: generosity, love, and kindness.
Please consider asking people to donate food at your holiday parties. It is an easy way to GIVE this time of year.
This month’s request: 3 containers of microwave mac and cheese.
And, do you have a bike sitting unused at your home? According to the staff at RWJD, the youth could really benefit from bikes for transportation. Just email me for pickup.
Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year.