Good morning friends! This was a heartbreaking week for us, but it was also a heartwarming one. On the one hand, we had first-time families visit us who are on the edge of despair over their current situations. We listened, walked them through their next steps using the resources that we have, and loaded them up with food. I am sorry that you don't all get to see this part of the process, because these encounters are where the hope resides and where people can start the journey of rebuilding and healing. It hurts a person's pride to have to come to us, and we do all we can to make it easier, but it also hurts us to see the tears and the shame that people feel. Empathy calls for us to feel their pain, but not to stay there for too long. We need to be practical, and to help them rise above it as best we can.
So on the other hand, it was a heartwarming week. We received requests from our supporters who want to make sure that the families we serve are taken care of at Christmas! Each year this happens, and it takes us a bit of sleuthing to come up with good matches. We appreciate the wonderful people in our communities who reach out to help each year.
We have a Crafts Gathering coming up this Saturday, December 9 from 10 to noon. This is an event that is open to everyone in the community, and we are so blessed to have Debbie Eaton leading it, with the very capable assistance of Melanie Pepin. All of the materials and tools are supplied, but you are also welcome to come with your own project if you'd just like some company. As we like to say, coffee, cookies, conversation, and crafts...what could be better?! Children are welcome too, along with their adult.
I want to share a short Christmas film with you, if you'd like to take a few minutes out for a sweet (and just a little bit sappy) break. I loved it! Here and Everywhere
If you can shop for us this week, we are low on low-sugar baked beans, 18 oz containers of oatmeal (quick cook or whole rolled oats), 1 or 2 lb bags of rice (brown or white), small boxes of plain instant potatoes, spaghetti pasta (whole wheat preferred), canned pasta like spaghettios, ground coffee, and children's diapers (sizes newborn through 4). It's been a while since we had to ask for diapers, and now suddenly we have several new families with this need. We'll be at the pantry on Wednesday from 10 to noon, Friday from 4 to 5:30, and Saturday from 9 to noon for drop-offs. And the bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank!
Happy beginning of the festive season, and thank you for all of your help in making it bright for others 💕
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