Have you ever been hungry? I mean that in the most sincere way. No food to put on the table for you and your family. I must admit that has never happened to me. Imagine not being able to feed your children.
Here in my town we have a food bank. I'm sure your area has one too. One can donate food or money to try and help those less fortunate. It could happen to anyone. Don't judge--a job could be lost by a hard working man or woman. This is a difficult subject I know and there are cases that surely means the lack of food means mommy or daddy is not working. The children of these families still need food. It's not their fault. An illness can devastate one's finances--whatever the reason, hunger is a problem for many.
Students, designers, engineers, contractors and volunteers got together in teams of five to construct sculptures using cans of food. CanStruction is a project that is featured in our local mall. These cans are showing the power of giving. It is quite amazing to see the creativity of these volunteers. All proceeds of this event are given to the area food bank. You can vote for your favorite sculpture by donating canned goods. My husband and I enjoyed seeing the creative minds at work in these sculptures.
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| Tree of Knowledge |
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| Bathroom |
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| Box of Crayons |
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| Octopus |
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| Snowman |
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| Learn. Serve. Move our World. |
Please consider giving to your local area food bank. It does make a difference in your community!
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16
I have come close to that. When I first got married, it was a hand to mouth existence, payday to payday. I always lived in fear of there not being enough money to pay the necessary bills, but somehow I managed.
ReplyDeleteThese days, it concerns me to read the numbers in the press about the number of food banks and the increasing number of people using them. The part of me who worked for the Jobcentre sometimes wonders if the same people who frequent the food banks are the same ones down the pub on a Saturday night with their mates. I know, that is sceptical of me. So, I err on the side of caution, the side of the parents who cannot find work to put food on the table and every time I make my weekly shop I order extra canned or dry goods for the collection point at my local church {they have a basket in the north transept} I do look for food on special because then I buy more for my money.
Great post, Martha Ellen. I hope it gets people thinking about those less fortunate, if they aren't already doing so.
~~~Deb
Deb, it's so concerning to me to think about so many in need. My heart always sends me to the fate of the children. I know for sure there are families with parents who could do better, but the children aways haunt my thoughts. If we all help as you do, we will make a difference! ♥
DeleteThat project was a very clever idea indeed. Our boy scout troops collect canned goods every year as does the mailman. We have several food banks in town and a shelter, so we have lots of opportunities to help others. There was a fellow on the median as I was in line to leave the Mall one rainy day. I rolled down my window to give him some money and told him about the men's shelter. He said he'd been kicked out of it. You feel sorry for people who can't seem to fit in anywhere. If I were a man, I'd offer the panhandlers a ride to the shelter when the weather is bad, but since I'm not, I often just pass them by because to stop would impede traffic. It's better to give the canned goods to the shelters because they have a better idea of who is in real need.
ReplyDeleteCathy, there are indeed many opportunities to help those in need. I understand there is quite the need for food especially at food banks. Several years ago my husband and I worked at a homeless shelter. We found it to be heart breaking. We helped a man one year with clothes and a bicycle and had him for dinner only to find he was going from church to church scamming for money and items. Still--it should not keep us from following our hearts. ♥
DeleteCathy, why would they kick someone out of a shelter? I don't understand that at all. Not certain what a panhandler is, but assume is some term for the homeless?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to you, Martha Ellen, is dreadful. Sadly, there will always be people like that and they can ruin it for those who truly do need help, and are often afraid to ask for it. I know for a fact there are those in the UK who stand in line for their handouts but also always have money for the pub. I do feel, though, if most of our help gets through to those who need it, then job well done. ~~~Deb
Deb, I know several reasons for a person to be kicked out of a shelter--- abuse of drugs, alcohol or being belligerent or of course endangering other residents. It's so sad but some people are mentally ill and really are lost in this world. Of course we must not group all of the homeless into these catagories. ♥
DeleteI seem to recall that "my" fellow showed up one too many times inebriated. Hopefully, he got his act together and was accept back where they could help him. Our shelter has a Bible study and helps the men be trained for jobs.
DeleteMartha Ellen, thank you so much for this heartwarming post. Just this weekend at my son's house, we all had a conversation about this topic. My son read Matthew 5:42, Jesus' words about giving to him who asks. The end. No conditions. That is definitely some food for thought!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheryl for telling me about your son's reading of Jesus' words--so very touching and reminds me of how we must not turn away. ♥
ReplyDeleteLovely post! We do indeed have a food bank here in our city. I always give to the food bank. There is nothing I love giving more than food to those who are hungry and who need it. At my girls' school, they organize a food drive every fall and every year I take my girls grocery shopping. They both choose 10-20 items each to help with the food drive. It is a cause very near and dear to my heart. One person can make such a difference!
ReplyDeleteRosinda, what a great example you are making for your girls! You are so right---one person can make a difference! We must teach our children to think about others. ♥
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