For most of us, Thanksgiving is about family and friends and stuffing ourselves silly, while planning out our Black Friday shopping sprees. But when you have no home, no food, and no one who cares, Thanksgiving is just one more day to try and keep out the cold. Luckily there are shelters, churches and missions out there for those less fortunate, and they take this day to try and give back. But I just spent an hour with some folks who are reaching out on their own.
I wrote about the Feed a Friend program. I call it a program, but it is just some folks who have big hearts. Familiar with the homeless in their neighborhood, they know many of them will not visit a shelter today. Rather than let them go without, they decided to do something. They got on the phone and made some calls. They started with friends and family. Then they called some stores and some vendors at the market. Next thing you know, they had a real meal going. The plan was to invite a couple of homeless people in to have a meal, but the outpouring of love and support was so great that they had to think bigger. Why not go to them?
I was so privileged to be asked to join them. I already had plans, but thought, “I can squeeze out an hour and a hlf.” I am so glad I did. I knocked on the door of my new friends Tracey and Mischelle at about 10am. I was so warmly greeted that you would have thought we were related. On the stove was a beautifully prepared turkey. At the table were family, prepping containers for the holiday meal. We were joined by more volunteers. Young kids diligently carved the turkey while the adults ladled gravy over dressing and scooped up cranberry sauce and veggies-all prepared by friends out of the goodness of their hearts. I was given the easy task of doling things into the 25 reusable shopping bags. I meted out toiletries like soap, mouthwash, shampoo, disposable washcloths, napkins, and cleanser. Then came apples, bottled water, snack packs and the like. We even raided the fridge and cupboard for more fruit and granola bars. When I left they were brewing the coffee donated by a local Starbuck’s and wrapping the dinners in foil. More people were arriving as I pulled away-ready to chip in help with the deliveries. The outpouring of love and support was simply amazing! They even had enough food to do a follow up run on Saturday with sandwiches and soup.
The response to this idea was so overwhelming, that these gals decided to see how much more they could do. They are planning now for a Christmas dinner. They want to start a coat and clothing drive. Now when you live under a bridge, you may only have the clothes on your back. They are gladly going to start taking in donations of clean usable coats, hats, blankets, gloves and the like for these neighbors without an address.
How can you help? Got an old warm coat? How about a pair of gloves? When you pass those cheap scarves at Marc’s, why not pick up one for someone less fortunate. If you live in or around Ohio City, then you are directly helping out your secret neighbors. Why not ask your favorite retailer if they have anything? Stores often have rolls of toilet tissue or paper towels that arrive in broken packaging. What about dented cans? Most retailers are going to be closed on Christmas, so ask them if they would be willing to donate their left over bakery items on Christmas eve? These are tough economic times, as we all know, so why not try a do one small thing to help someone else? If everyone that reads this blog post were to give one loaf of bread, think of how many people would be fed. You don’t have to be a saint. You just have to be human and reach out. Who knows how much can happen.
Feed a Friend is a grassroots community outreach that is designed to remember and help our friends in need this holiday season. As we prepare to spend time with our friends and family, we ask that you take time to remember those in our community who are not as fortunate. These are friends that many of us have yet to meet but they live in our community, on our streets and in our hearts. If you have it in your heart to help with your time or a donation of food or funds, please call Tracey Dillard at 216-210-9069.
