Soup’s On
ONCE IN AWHILE, WE STOP and take inventory of how fortunate we are. Sometimes it’s fleeting, and we go back to our busy lives and order another round. Other times it sticks. Makes an impression. Gives us a moment to reflect.
Janet Corniel
We’ve all schlepped our bags to the grocery store and felt the self-congratulatory, “Yay! I remembered! Did my part for the environment today!” We might’ve even given a buck to the person on the street and thought to ourselves, “Phew! I’m good for another month.” We have something to offer and, depending on where you are in your life journey, you can decide on what makes best sense for you.
Years ago, I volunteered regularly at a soup kitchen. I was newly married and in a position to give. Now, as a single mom of three boys working two jobs, it’s not necessarily an option for me. However, my experiences there made an impression. It broadened my horizon. It filled my cup. I remember the smiles. The laughter. The joy. The simplicity. When you have so little as these folks do, it is the little things that bring joy — like an extra roll or dessert. (Not to mention, I learned how to make the best dang gone potato salad ever from their cook.) When you’re in a fortunate position and have extra time or resources, you are poised for a season of giving. If you find yourself in this position, consider helping out one of our local food kitchens or pantries.
Grant Avenue Soup Kitchen
Grant Avenue Street Reach Kitchen does its part for our Denver community. Every Monday, they serve more than 1000 meals to those in need. Volunteers show up on Monday to help. If you’re looking for something that asks of a minimum time commitment, this may be a realistic option for you to give back. They work out of the St. Paul’s Church basement. Mondays only! For further information and how to volunteer, please contact them via their website. StreetReach.WordPress.com
Denver Rescue Mission
The Denver Rescue Mission provides three hot meals a day at their facilities, box meals for the elderly and infirm, and holiday meals to those in need. In addition to doing their part to feed our community, they provide family and rehabilitation services. Denver Rescue Mission offers many opportunities to give back to our community. If you’re interested, please contact them at DenverResueMission.org.
St. Francis Center
St. Francis Center provides a place of transition for our homeless community. Daily, 700 to 900 people pass through their doors looking for help. They provide services during the day when many other facilities remain closed. If you’re interested in helping, please contact them via their website at SFCDenver.org
FoodPantries.org
Time is a challenge for most of us and may not be available for you to give. However, we all have extra food or clothing that we no longer need or find useful. A quick look in your pantry will reveal those ten boxes of crackers you thought was a great idea to buy after succumbing to the free samples at your big box retailer. Knowing that you’re never going to eat all of them before the expiration date, consider bagging them up and taking them to your nearest food pantry. FoodPantries.org is a great resource to find locations near you serving those in need in your community.
Move For Hunger
Moving? You may be thinking that out of all of the tasks at hand during a move, doing your part to help the hungry is no where near your radar screen. However, this fantastic non-profit saw a perfect opportunity to help the hungry and the movers. When we move, often times we have food we don’t want to take with us and, because of time constraints, it ends up in the trash. Move For Hunger partners with moving companies to take your unwanted, non- perishable food to local food pantries for you, thereby making it as convenient as possible to give back to your community during a move. When planning your next move, check out their website. MoveForHunger.org
*****
Remember, it’s often the littlest of things that make the greatest impact.
What's Your Reaction?
