The word was out… our shelves were EMPTY. DEPLETED.
I was in the storage unit, waiting to accept donations, when three sisters walked in… I recognized one from a previous work day. We re-introduced ourselves to each other. “Don’t mind us, I just wanted to show my sisters… We can’t help today, because our sister just died; we have to go to the funeral… She’s still helping; all her things are being donated…”
Their enthusiastic energy, knowing her possessions would help others, took up more space than their grief…
Just like the space that got filled today…
It was Drop Off Saturday… a strategy we’ve incorporated so that when we’re asked, “How can I help?” ~or~ “What do you need?” we have a solution. The first Saturday of every month is our collection day… established to stock the shelves that so quickly get depleted as our families arrive from 14+ countries of the world.
We sometimes collect so much we have to pass it along… which is a good thing, because so many are doing good work!
It’s a modern-day loaves & fishes story. In fact, I recall a gospel passage where Jesus said, “Greater things than this will you do…”
It doesn’t matter that we’re full… the need will continue…. Just as the generosity has…
So many stories to tell…
- The senior citizens @ the assisted living center, who are collecting items but have limited space, so they were storing the items in their bathtubs!
- The women who personally wrapped toothpaste and brushes with a bow, just to make it special…
- Aging hands… frail, yet determined to collect and bag individual toiletry care packages…
- During a recent drop-off of needed items, our volunteers were met by a toddler who shared her chocolate candies with them…
Whether guided by the wisdom of their age, or sparked by youthful hearts that naturally share… all lead to respond to the need before them… Each has found PURPOSE in their space.
No giver too young nor too old…
If you are wondering where this world is headed… be sure to look around you… It is still in the hands of those who care. Those who carry the woes of others in the pick-up and delivery of donated items that seem to be coming out of the woodwork…
The word is out that people care. The truth is bold that good conquers strife.
Not quickly, but with perseverance and commitment. Not easily, but with smiles and an ever-present hand, offering to lighten another’s load.
THIS IS CHURCH.
This is the many faces of God, being present to the need of the moment.
And I believe this is what Jesus came to call us to…
Our next Drop Off day is Saturday, September 2nd.
The focus will be paper goods: paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues…
I am not worried that it is a holiday weekend; the goodness within so many will send who and what we need…
Kathy and “happy helpers” you make me smile and cry at the same time. Paula and Tony
We are truly blessed