When Little Means So Much

According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, food insecurity now impacts one in seven households in America.  As a statistic, this is hard to grasp, but every Thanksgiving my husband and I have a tradition and we volunteer to help feed and clothe the homeless and needy at a community event held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.  Here, the face of hunger becomes real as we greet the ragged men, women, seniors, and children who show up. 
Offering Help and Hope
This year, 3,200 came — more than ever before.  Yet, amidst this poverty, therewere spectacular  glimmers of hope.  More  than 1,800 volunteers contributed their hearts, time and talents to bless the hurting. They decorated, cooked, served meals, distributed hygiene kits and second  hand clothing, gave haircuts and  face  make-overs, provided free medical consultations, and  entertained the kids. The sounds of gospel, blues, rock, and folk music filled the auditorium as live  bands rotated throughout the day.

It was great to be there, humbling to do what we could, inspiring to work alongside compassionate people, gratifying to see so many needs met.  May we see conditions improve for all the hurting in 2012.  For  more info, you can visit http://www.westsidethanksgiving.org/