The bread and produce room

Last week several of us from around Orange County that serve the low income, some homeless, motel families, single parents and other services came together to meet at Second Harvest. It was wonderful because we finally met face to face with many that have a desire to serve those in need and have served for years but not for the money. Although there are many causes out in our world today, such as Charity Water, which is quite impressive to say the least, there are many of us who have worked for years serving without the thought of raising a lot of money, getting any kind of a paycheck, (most of us volunteer or are paid very minimal) or any recognition.

What was so nice were the ideas and things that these organizations do such as mobile health clinics, case management to help get others off the streets, children’s books and programs with Project Dignity, churches that give out food and cooked meals. I mean this is outstanding if you really think about it.

Some of us give money and we need money to pay for the gas, the facilities, the food, the overhead and some part-time staff. But others of us give time. We get yelled at sometimes, we get kissed on the face, we get hugs and thank yous…people on the street that you don’t remember helping come and tell you thank you when you are getting your Starbucks. (yes, I am addicted, just ask anyone)  Those moments are priceless. Most of us are not government supported because if so, they could tell us who to serve or who not to serve. We are people serving and giving.

This flood of feelings come over you when a mom leans over her car and cries and cries when one of us gave her a gift or a cake because she feels God heard her prayer. Or the family who just got kicked out of their apartment because they just could not afford it any longer and you are able to pay for one night somewhere and the only reason you could do that was because a dedicated family who is teaching their children to give saves all their coins to give to YAS and you just happened to get that envelope.

You make so many friends it is incredible. We all stand side by side working in all different ways, packing, cleaning, patrolling, sorting, mopping….you name it we do it.

I just want to say a big thank you to those who do not do this for the recognition but because of love and some of us are commanded to do so by Christ who said, “freely you have received, freely give.”

Those in need that come weekly