As you can imagine, the week before Thanksgiving was a pretty busy one at the Food Closet. Lots of cars coming through with little cooperation from the falling rain. As always, the volunteers kept serving with a smile on their faces!
One of the mornings I happened to be walking back from the Parish Office when I stopped to talk at one of the cars in line; one I not seen before. When I asked how the person was doing he hesitantly told me he was alright. I then asked what was going on and he shared with me he had never had to do anything like this before. He had just lost his job and really needed some help. He shared with me that he worked in the restaurant industry and where he worked had just closed, possibly for good. He felt bad about being in our line, but really needed help.
As we talked I let him know we were glad he had come to see us; that there is no judgement on our part; that we recognize EVERYONE needs a little help once-in-awhile. I further let him know he was welcome to come whenever he needed food. As I was walking away he asked that I let all of you know what a relief it was to be able to come to a place like Holy Trinity. He truly felt blessed!
This time of year can be difficult for many. This is also the time of year that people want to give. There are many, many wonderful organizations that provide excellent help to those in need. There are also those who will take advantage of this time of year to solicit your help for their own benefit. I encourage you to be wise in your generosity. Find an organization or two or even three that you know and trust and support them; help them help others. Then, encourage those who need help to seek it from those organizations you supported.