Last week when I volunteered at the food bank, I noticed that some of the men who are 'in transition' (aka homeless) were asking for specific clothing items, like long underwear. The lady who deals primarily with those in transition had a 'stash' of items that they would ask for.
I got to thinking about how cold it is getting here at night. The shelter is not open yet, so these men must just be camping out in the elements. Anyway, I wish I could do more, but I did take a couple of brand new bigger coats down to the food bank to be given specifically to those in transition. I asked if there were any specific needs that they had, and the lady told me that they always need socks. I am thinking of trying to get a 'sock drive' going at church maybe, so that we can help to fulfill that need.
Last week, a man came through the food bank, and after he had gone through the line, he kind of stood in the middle of the room, and said loudly "I want to thank all of you who are here volunteering your time to help us." I'm pretty sure I'm menopausal, but I teared up like a baby. It made me so sad to think of all the people who are privileged and don't even know it. It humbled me to think that this man, who has nothing, can be so appreciative of me, who, comparatively, has everything. I am grateful to know that my time is appreciated, and if I begin to think for one minute that I can't make a difference, I have only to think of that man and that proclamation of gratitude. That will remind me that it doesn't take a lot, and that we can all make a difference.
I also heeded the call of a friend that needed to have her daughter picked up from the middle school because she missed the bus. I am so grateful that I can help out!
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