Good work. We used to do this (both helping in the public schools and at food banks), but now that we're older and don't have connections with the schools, we've kind of dropped off.

Your good deed makes me think we should sign up right away for Christmas duty. Though we've tried before and been turned away, they had so many volunteers!

was told no because I never had any kids in this system did not attend parent teacher meetings and no one knew me.
Who knew they couldn't just interview you. I did well in business because of my mentoring talents with some of the slowest workers, they always gave me the difficult people because I could make them work sufficiently despite their limitations. But no interview, no references, I could supply plenty, no option. So I walk dogs instead for the shelter. I tired volunteering for a personal items distribution in a church, but they tended to lock the doors so I could not get in to help. No idea why, so I just stopped going. They thought it was odd that so many people would start and then not do it any more - THE DOORS ARE LOCKED!!!!! It was cold outside.

But it is great what you do.

the handing out of GMOs,
the contributing to the obesity of our society,
and you brag about this?

Kidding.

This is great. I'm sure those families were so very thankful. There really is something wonderful about people from a community sitting and eating together, isn't there? I worked at a similar set up, and everyone was encouraged to serve and to eat with one another--no matter who set up and who was being served. Everyone chipped in, but this was not how it was planned, but simply what it became. It evolved into something truly communal, where all were servants and those being served.

A young minister is the organizer.
'Christian Life Church'.
He thanked us all and then gave a prayer for us and the folks we were helping 'in Jesus name'.

I'm an atheist.


Miz t. is Episcopal and her church is one of the sponsors.
They all wore their red T shirts with "St. Paul's Episcopal Church" printed in white.
I told her I would wear a black T shirt with "ATHEIST" on the front next year.
She made a face at me.


We sorted the canned goods by category onto long tables.
Had to check 'sell by dates' and toss the out of date ones.
Also keep a count of how many items per category.

Miz t. had the 'Pasta' table.
One of her helpers was a young woman volunteer from our local community college.
"My family is really in trouble. (Gave Miz t. a long explanation. They really are in deep shit. She's on a full scholarship.) How can we get this food?"
Miz t. told her who to contact.
Damn.

And SHE volunteered to help others.
That brought a tear.

hoot if you are religious or not; would consider it rude to ask about religion as a first question
(or even ever) and just wants everyone who volunteers to work together to get the job done.

Then everyone breaks out in big smiles and thanks each other.


Tikki

I'm in my 70s, and this was more likely asked in my parent's generation.
It was assumed that:
1. You went to church, and
2. You were undoubtedly of the Christian faith.

Not so much now.

That said i would like to thank you for the aviation threads which I have enjoyed so much this past year. I should have said so sooner and more often but they are a small pleasure of mine....

Or is it bore?

Raised near an airport. Couple years turning wrenches on Hueys and 6 years feeding pilots from a hot dog stand at the local airport. Now a bunch of my family comes from the commercial fisheries in Connecticut and in my religion when you die and go to heaven it's a campfire with pilots and fishermen telling tales...you ain't boring ME....Fun fact-the owner of the local flight school E -mailed today for my chili recipe for some guests up for the weekend. He got it but it will cost a certain quid pro quo.....

That sounds about right.

Since it would take me a month to eat it, I simply donated it to ANOTHER church!


rocktivity

I never had the health to volunteer in such a way but the need is there. People need to think and realize it's a struggle 365 days out of the year for most of these people. Hunger does not go away when the season ends.
Think of all the good you are doing not only working in the food dept but also help educating young minds. I'm sure many will grow up remembering those who helped them at a time when they needed it most.

It dawned on me a while back that if we could make a difference in just one person's life it was far more rewarding for all than giving money to some faceless 'charity'.

Not to denigrate the 'big charities' (you know who you are).
I'm sure they do good works.

But how much better is it to feed some home town families?
Or get a kid some much needed dental care?

to your Food Bank. We can't in good conscious enjoy a feast tomorrow while knowing our neighbors are cold and hungry. Please write that check NOW and put in in the mail tomorrow. I know there is no USPS service on the 28th. It is important to not forget or delay. Compete your part of the task -- fast. You will get back a plea to become a regular donor. Do it. With the Repug attack on the poor, we have to step up and help more than ever before.

you earned it!

And I will brag on you...