Feed The Needy

It’s officially the first day of the 12 Days of Giving!  I know I’m excited to finally get this giving party started! Today’s good deed is feeding the needy.  I don’t know about your city but everyday I see hunger on the streets of Atlanta.  It’s truly something that saddens me.  Over the course of this year, I’ve spent several hours volunteering at the Pine Street Shelter handing out lunches, so it was quite natural to add this to the list of 12 Days of Giving.

Ideally, we wanted to work in a shelter today but given the time of year, finding an open opportunity was challenging.  When you think about it, it’s a good problem to come across; if only it was like this throughout the rest of the year.  As a result, we did the next best thing and went shopping for non-perishable foods to donate to the Atlanta Food Bank. I think we all know how the food banks can get a little low during the holiday season.  So, I feel good about adding a little more to the shelves.

Nicole, a friend who is participating in 12 Days, has a personal story that she so graciously wants to share about how this particular activity touches her heart.

Donating can goods to those in need hits close to home for me. When I was younger, I can remember many times waiting in line at churches with my mom, a single mother of three, to get a box of food. Working two, sometimes three jobs that were close to minimum wage allowed my mom to provide for us. At the time, I had no understanding of struggle or low-income because I was busy doing kid things like jumping rope. However, looking back I realize my mom sacrificed a lot to keep a seemingly normal household. Now matured, I realize why and how my mom did the things she did. To bring this full circle I am now on the giving end. I empathize with all families.  Our story may not be the same, but the commonality is found in just needing a helping hand.