Hi everyone - just a quick update. Have spent time this weekend elfing. While there are some sparkly things for little girls, and outdoorsy things for a young Boy Scout, etc, the majority of requests so far are for food.
That, to me, is heartbreaking. And I am stretching our funds as much as possible to provide giftcards to local grocery stores in their respective areas.
To anyone who may immediately think, "What about area food banks?" - a friend today posted about that very thing. Sadly, food banks are stretched to their breaking points, especially at this time of year. She also pointed out something very true, and something I admit I am guilty of doing: Food bank donations are often comprised of what somehow managed to crawl into our own pantries, but that we were happy to get rid of when our child was collecting cans for school or church.
Hunger is embarrassing, it just is. It should not be, but it is. But then, it also should not exist. We can do better than throw cans of near-their-expiration green beans or Rotelle at nameless, faceless people we may never meet.
As the emails I have received highlight - "they" can be "you" in the blink of an eye, through no fault of your own. Life, economics, jobs - they all turn on a dime.
Help if you can. So far we have collected $720. Things are tighter all around this year. Some of you have contacted me directly about sending checks - I will email you privately when those arrive.
Linda
gesus. this makes me very sad. That people are in need of food and would rather that than a gift to open on Christmas morning. Breaks my heart.... Sending more money on Friday.
Posted by: Katy | Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11:02 AM