Al's Outreach Outtakes

One Friday, well after we had finished serving, I was in my office catching up on the never ending paperwork (can you tell it’s not my favorite part?). From my office I can see the expanse of the parking lot, which often times comes in handy. This particular Friday I noticed as a car pulled into the lot and parked close by.  I watched as they got out of the car, looking toward the Food Closet. With it being a nice day I happened to have my window open  so as they approached I asked if I could help them.

“I heard there was food available here; am I too late?” By her mannerisms I could tell she was feeling desperate.

“We did stop serving over an hour ago”, I said, after which she immediately lowered her head and said, “I was afraid of that”.

“Do you have any food at all?” I asked.

“Very little; not enough to get us through the weekend.”

“How many are in your family?”

“Eight; four adults and four kids.”

“OK. Come over by the garage and lets get you some food.”


As I began to gather food for them I kept asking if they needed this or do they like that. Each time the answer was “We are not picky and would be grateful for anything”.

Fortunately we still had a decent selection that included chicken, hamburger, tuna, rice, beans, pasta and sauce and more. She just kept saying how much she appreciated it and that this was so much more than she had hoped for. She had never been here before and had not had to get food much before. I explained the process and let he know about the food box distribution we do every Thursday next door at Beaverton Foursquare. I invited her to come.
 
As we finished gathering up the food, I stood back and watched her load it into her car. At that point I looked and saw her young grandson sitting in the backseat. He had already found a small box of raisins and was enjoying them with a very big smile on his face. “He loves raisins!” she said. What child doesn’t? He waived and said “Thank you!” as they drove away.
 

Thank you all for your support. Because of you,

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!