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| - At least once a year my team at work volunteers for a different organization. This year I was asked to set us up at Saint Mary's Food Bank. We have volunteered for them in the past by filling boxes with food on an assembly line but this time we requested to work closer with the community. We were sent to do distribution which involves filling carts with various items, milk, water, fruits, vegtables, bread, a box filled with rice and beans and meat(that day it was whole frozen chickens and turkeys)a box filled with rice and beans and things. Depending on the various factors like size of family determined which type they were given. One particular cart was called holiday and Cheryl who worked at the front counter taking forms would call out HOLIDAY practically singing like the Madonna song, with a smile and enthusiasm every time. She handed out lollipops to each child and greeted everyone with such warmth that it made others smile! Will who showed us the ropes, smiled and had a joy that was contagious put us to work and within no time we were filling carts, greeting people and pushing the carts out to fill people's cars. I was amazed at how many people flooded in to receive food from, volunteers taking food to churches, or those unable to come in, families with young children, the elderly, Vets, and single individuals in need of food and so grateful to receive it. The facility is open from 9am to 4pm and in a day provides carts for up to 500-600 people. Food is donated by different sources such as stores, individuals, and some government provision. With cutbacks the need has become greater as well needing volunteers to assist, it was a lot of work and I lost count of how many carts I pushed and unloaded into vehicles. I seemed to have my own cheering section as I ran (yes ran) the carts up and down the ramps. There was an elderly gentleman sitting inside his Allstate truck who nodded, smiled and gave me a thumbs up every time I ran by which made me smile and motivated me to work even harder.
One thing that touched me the most was a couple whose cart I was going to take to their car until I realized they didn't have one; they had both rode in on bicycles. They opened their backpacks and I assisted as the carefully tried to fit everything in them. What items didn't fit, like the box and the gallon of water they chained to their bikes. They struggled as they loaded the heavy backpacks on their backs never complaining, only saying thank you. We said our goodbyes and I had to turn away as for a moment I lost my composure which I wanted to mask. How hungry must they be and how motivated to haul such a load to provide what may have only been a few small meals.
As a single parent I have often struggled, cut coupons, skipped meals, to put meals on the table for my children, but I was made more thankful and aware that day of how truly blessed I am.
If you are able to donate, whether it be from your wallet, your pantry, or your time you will receive a blessing that cannot be measured!
Thank you Saint Mary's, you are a jewel in the community!
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