Give a Hand!

     I was on vacation last week, so I had an opportunity to volunteer at the Shelby Baptist Association.  Judy and Stephen have been taking one day per week to help sort and stock items either in the thrift store or the kitchen.  They've enjoyed meeting folks there and as they mentioned names, I didn't have the faces to put them with.  So, I rolled up my sleeves and pitched in on Wednesday, working in the Daily Bread store.
  

 It was pretty amazing how efficient everyone was.  Stephen and I were assigned processing duties for a small trailer load of food from a local store.  I would really love to mention the names of the businesses who are the best supporters, but I don't think I should.  There are those who would visit them and complain about them giving to a Christian organization.  But, I know some great businesses and will personally recommend them to others.  There is still great generosity in the world regardless of those who say otherwise.

     Being the time of the year for inventory(yes, they keep one), the food we weighed and boxed had to be kept separate from the food being given out.  You'll notice the yellow tape in the picture across the shelves, that indicates it has been counted for the year end totals.  We emptied thirty five sacks of groceries, sorted the items, and stacked everything in boxes.  Naturally,  the only empty shelves were on top.  It is surprising how heavy large boxes of peanut butter and jelly are!
     Judy was helping Donna and Gene fill orders for assistance.  The way that works is,  people who need help come in, they are interviewed(by staff) and it is determined how much they will receive.  There is no shortage of people in need.  Jesus said, "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them".  There are always those who will take advantage of good hearts.  Hence, the interview, where they also pray together and can spend time in the chapel.  Help for the body with none for the soul would not be a good thing!


     After our work in the back, we rolled the shopping carts outside and loaded up the groceries for people in their cars.  They had filled one buggy full for a lady's family of four, and we rolled it out the side door waiting on her to bring the car around.  I knew we were in trouble when she backed up to the curb with a small two seater.  She opened the tiny trunk and I saw a folded up stroller taking up most of the room.  "Can we put some of this in the front?" I asked.  She replied, "No, my daughter is up front."  I said, "it's okay, we'll find a way".  We un-sacked stuff and literally packed it in every available space in the trunk, then managed to put the rest in the front floorboard.  She left wiping her eyes and actually apologized for the trouble.  It was no trouble and made up feel good to help her.  It's like she asked God for a cup and He overflowed it!


     Volunteering for a day is a great experience.  Just about every organization that helps people this time of year needs help themselves.  Why not find one and pitch in?  It will give you a whole new perspective