OT> . . . . . .You can make a difference!. . . . .
Just a Passer, Thanks for the kind thought of helping others. I can't let such an open door opportunity pass without making a comment. Passer, you hit on several charitable areas that I feel strongly about this year. . . .I will touch on just one of them today.
It is doubtful that many realize the ways in which you can make a difference in the world around you. If changing your neighborhood for the better is appealing to you, keep reading. I have a some simple suggestions which can make a world of difference. I only have time to write about one of them now.
Feeding the Hungry in YOUR city!
Did you know that much of the donated food aimed at the hungry in America goes to waste? And did you know that for VERY little effort, you could make a big difference? The Second Harvest Food Bank in your city [or largest city nearest you] has a big warehouse with a massive refrigeration unit. Trucks from General Mills, Kraft, General Foods, etc. show up at Second Harvest on a weekly basis to unload tons of foods from overruns.
It is truly a sight to see all the food they have ready to be given out. Go there! Talk to them! I tell you!! It will break your heart to see how much food they have in their warehouses that is in desperate need of distribution.
Unfortunately, churches, social organizations, businesses, etc. that COULD BE giving away this food are simply not in touch with Second Harvest. They simply do not know. I don't know why. I guess Second Harvest is just not very good at marketing themselves. But this is where YOU can come in.
Now if that wasn't bad enough, some Second Harvest organizations have been issued grants for setting up distribution points. THEY WILL PAY FOR IT! But they need locations for setting up simple distribution points and they need some volunteers for just a few hours per week.
Before the fresh food begins to get old, Second Harvest will make soups out of it. . . then can them. . . a great idea. This also makes it SIMPLE for any group to dish out hot meals at any time.
I challenge you!
Contact your church. Contact churches in your area. Contact your community organizations. . . clubs, social groups, schools, community centers, your place of business, city hall.
NOTE: Be careful letting public officials know your intent! Many do not want it known that there are hungry citizens in THEIR town!! This is especially true in towns where there is active NEW home construction!!
Anyway. . .Let them know. Call the Second Harvest nearest you and get the story directly from them. Then call around town. Tell them that there is literally TONS OF FOOD just waiting to be distributed. And all they need to supply are the volunteers, a time and a location. Nothing more!!
Second Harvest has literally everything that is needed to make a distribution center out of the location. . .say once per week. They will supply pre-packaged boxes of groceries to be handed out. And if the business or church or hall has a way to heat food, all the better. . .though it is not necessary. Then some simple signs at all the grocery stores, convenience stores, libraries, churches, gas stations and community centers. . . and your community has improved.
I am not asking for anyone to donate any money. . . just a little of your time. I will make each of you a guarantee. Write it down, because it may be the only time you will see me make public guarantees.
I guarantee you, that if you do as I have asked. . .and make 12 phone calls to potential volunteers, such as organizations, churches, clubs, groups, businesses, etc. I will guarantee that you will have done a sufficient amount to set the ball into motion. . .toward making a difference!
And those who follow through and become instrumental in leading an organization toward becoming a distribution center in your town or in any town. . . as a result of this challenge, will be cited with special recognition at our first gathering. And those who do this anonymously. . .without ever telling anyone. . . will receive the greatest reward of all.
Rande Is |
