The wind was not as bad as the weather guy said it would be, so it wasn’t all that bad visiting with folks in the queue for the hot ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, veggies, bun and pie. Our guests did not seem to mind the cold, and I wish I had the words to describe how much they were looking forward to the take-out meal.
A theme emerged over the course of the couple of hours I monitored the queue, and it wasn’t the pandemic. Instead it was how much our friends missed coming to the drop in and getting together. There were many that shared this with me (after learning who I was under the mask and hat). “Oh yes,” some said, “there are other places to go, but none like this one. We really miss getting together! We can’t wait until this is all over and we can come back (to the drop in).”
It’s not an easy life on the streets, and I know you get that. And you know how Covid has exacerbates things. It’s the isolation and loneliness that really gets folks down.
But today, for a few moments, just a few, folks were able to put those thoughts aside and reminisce, re-connect and hope for a better future to come.
About twenty-five volunteers did the warming of the food, packaging, running to the door and back and distributing the precious packages to our friends. It was a good day, and many, many people had their spirits lifted and their hearts (and tummies) warmed.
Thanks to all the volunteers, staff and donors that shared a role in this great adventure. Might seem like a small thing for us, but it means a great deal to those people who are recipients of your generosity. Together, we are making a difference.
~Ken, Executive Director