This picture is from last year, but the Jewel food store in Bolingbrook is once again donating a bunch of complete meals. My wife and I have the pleasure of passing these along to people who need a little help.
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These are hard times for a lot of us, but it is great to see people exercise kindness on a regular basis and show compassion in a bunch of different ways. We see donations from KFC, Olive Garden, Panera, Red Lobster, Pizza Hut, Famous Dave's, Chipotle, Longhorn Steak House, and I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody. There are local businesses that donate other items, such as grocery bags and produce bags. There are groups like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and elementary schools that have taken special collections. Lots of anonymous donations fund the purchase of regular stock from the Northern Illinois Food Bank..
I am especially thankful for the regular volunteers who give up their time week after week and do their work in such a way that our guest are not compromised of basic human dignity. We typically serve 65 families every week..
There are other food pantries and other organizations that serve in similar ways, and it is cool to see what goes into these acts of compassion and to learn how people are motivated to such things. Ultimately, the motivation comes from the same source as the provision. And that source is so great that it (he) eclipses the channels. That is truly something to be thankful for..
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.-James 1:17
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11 comments:
sweet! i love that even the grocery stores have been helping out food pantries throughout the year.
it makes me really glad what i read in your post!
that is awesome!
we need to be angels for each other, we must reach out in compassion to the poor people.
I'm very thankful for you, your family and all the other volunteers and businesses who give of themselves to help others. This is a perfect example of love in action.
Yes, that's really good Mr. Dave, especially when they're doing something steady and regular. The rolls of produce bags are a good example of high value in terms of being useful, but extremely low on the scale when it comes to razzle-dazzle, and gaining recognition. But THAT's the kind of help that really makes the food pantry work smoothly.
A funny thing I have learned is that not all of the visitors we get are "poor." From time to time Betty, we see someone who might normally be a donor come through those doors... except for some crazy circumstances that put them in a position of need for the moment. We are blessed to help whomever God sends to us. One heartbreaking example that I've seen is where there is some kind of domestic abuse, and a victim needs to hide for a while.
It feels great to be appreciated, George. But I'm sure you know who's approval we seek. (pointing upwards) You might be aware that I am a big fan of studying theology. The thing is, that it would be lopsided to cram information in the brain, but not act upon it. It's not "either/or," but "both/and."
'Father of lights"
Thank You Lord for giving me light, and taking my darkness;-- my pitch black heart.
have a terrific holiday Craver! You're a fine light of our Father, and your shinig shows forth Christ Jesus our Lord, by His Holy Spirit. It takes each Person of our Triune God to make us shine for His glory, doesn't it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT5n53HNeLc&feature=related
HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!
Your p[ost today is something that many people are thankful for, I am sure.
that is one heavily laden van but it makes me glad for such generosity.
What a wonderful positive post! It's great to hear that some companies (as well as people) truly do have kind hearts!
It was an excellent weekend, Sandman. My wife made sure I got a chance to sleep in on Thursday and Friday mornings. She's so good to me!
Shammy, we worked through a list of people who we thought could use some food. My children placed the phone calls for us. One gentleman who declined, made sure he caught up with me later, to thank us for the offer, and for thinking of him. I did not realize until then how much that call meant. He has no family in the area. Things like that make me grateful that we could be involved at this level with our community.
Ha! It's a stuffed turkey-mobile! Lime, I know that you know... first and foremost, we do it all for the glory of the Lord... so that he is pleased. :-)
It is a delight to be able to post such a thing, EG. Our next project is to make thank-you cards for these generous donors.
I'm glad that Jewel donated food again to those who needed it the most! I am pleased to know that you and Mrs. Craver are involved also in the food pantry ministry. You both have big hearts! :)
You have been such a faithful help in this ministry, Rachel Grace. I appreciate your servant's heart and honest encouragement.
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