The day hunger disappears, the world will see the greatest spiritual explosion humanity has ever seen.
-- Federico Garcia Lorca
ok- so soooo sorry about the delay in posts. i dont have a great excuse- aside from the fact that it was INSANE at work in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving....i guess that would be assumed when you work at a food program ;) but i am going to try to keep this updated more often- there is so much i would love to share with you all about my time here in seattle- stories of some real incredible people.
however, i feel it is my duty as a food program assistant to inform you about something near and dear to my heart. in this, the season of hectic holiday shopping, overstressed everybody, long lines, etc. i would like to let you know about some people who could use some real lovin: stand-in-front-of-a-(grocery)-store-and-ask-people-to-donate-food-or-money-for-a-real-cause.
they are out there. and they are just like you and me. well, they are me. i stand in front of grocery stores every Saturday with some volunteers (such as the wonderful mr. ross) asking people kindly to shop for our clients. then there is the salvation army person ringing the bell. and so here is a top ten list of helpful hints to show your love to these individuals:
1- Not interested? No problem! Do not, however, stick your hand/finger in my face and make a nasty face mouthing the word "no" as you continue to talk on your bluetooth (we are people after all, not dogs....)
2-To that note, if you are not interested and try to go to the other door/avoid us...keep in mind that you did not suddenly develop the ability to become invisible: we can see you still. and if you are like me, i have someone posted at each door. there is no escape. muhahahahahahhahahaha....ha.
3-Give em what they are looking for! These people are not (necessarily) spending time in the cold for kicks and giggles. they are looking for some help- from you! and when you do give them a can of tuna here, or a box of cereal there- you affirm their presence and help everyone feel all warm and fuzzy inside. its a win-win.
4- If you feel like this is just another gammit- talk to those people! find out what we are about! ask great questions! heck- you might make a new friend, or find out that they are looking for volunteers to help out....which is great because you have been looking to make some new friends and spend time with a worthwhile organization to give back to your community ;) also- this helps prevent us from talking to ourselves so we dont get bored. another win.
5- Feeling like you are not going to make any difference? Let me tell you from experience- if every person who walked into the door of the store during my 5 hour shifts brought out one can- just ONE can-of soup, we would have enough to feed my clients for a month. one can CAN make all the difference in the world. i have seen it with my own eyes. when i get a grocery bag ready for a client and stick in a can of soup i collected the week before at one of these collection events, then i see it go to my client who is SO appreciative. well, it makes a difference. believe me.
6- Man, that person collecting food out there looks cold, tired, and kind of hungry.....guess what- we ARE! the best thing that ever happened to me was when a lady came out with a bagful of groceries for us, then a smoothie for me. she told me that she wanted me to take care of myself so that i could help others better. i will NEVER forget that. ever. such kindness. the best smoothie i will ever have.
7- Volunteer with us! If you are looking to restore your hope in humanity and see some instant gratification (lets say, 900 pounds of food in a van that was empty in the morning but is now full at the end of the day with food)- you found the perfect thing! And you get to meet new people, have cool conversations, etc etc
8- Forgot to get some food while inside the store? We take cash donations ;) just sayin....
9-When you make a joke about what we are doing out there, or perhaps come back in to get something else...know that we have seen like a thousand people come past us in the last couple hours. we have heard that joke already a couple dozen times, yes- HIV/AIDS is still around (yikes), and i am sorry i didn't memorize your face and asked you again to donate. i am working on my facial recognition skills, but i am a work in progress. work with me.
10- hey- you see that manager of the store over there in the corner? mentioning to them how awesome it is that they sponsor that organization out there and also showing them some of the goodies you bought in there store for the barrell out there...well that would be swell. these stores rock and could use some thanks as well.
11- pat yourself on the back! you rock, and know that we would not be able to do what you do without people like yourself. dont have one of these rockin people outside your grocery store? well maybe you should look in a mirror. hehe.
LLLLOOOVVVEEEE to all and will be posting back soon. i promise. in the meantime, keep on loving, and keep in mind what the season of giving really means. i mean- we are talking food here. its delicious and nutritious. win win.
