One of the routes we sometimes used to take on our morning drive
to school ran through a part of town that was hospitable to people in need of a
place to sit during the day. We often talked about putting together nonperishable
snacks and necessities that we could have handy to offer to the folks we came
to recognize day after day. It was one of those intentions that we got fired up
about, but we never followed through with action. We like to think of ourselves
as caring, helpful, even charitable people, but we never followed through on
this simple idea despite the fact that we had the desire and the means. I think
it was the simple details of execution that stalled us – when and where should
we start? Would we offend people by assuming that they needed something from
our privileged white asses? Was it safe? These are legitimate questions, but
they need not have been paralyzing.
Nevertheless, we did not take action toward
our intended goal until an opportunity presented itself wherein the details had
been organized by somebody who was organized… an organization!
When I told the kids about a monthly outreach event that was
very similar to that idea we used to talk about on the drive to school, they
were both immediately on board. The three of us showed up at 10 am on a Sunday
morning, not knowing exactly what to expect, but ready to help. We were early
(what?!) so were among the first to show up, which gave us the opportunity to meet the organizer and express our low-key angst about not knowing what to do in the same breath that we voiced our willingness to do anything and everything that anyone asked. We were the perfect peons, and we were put right to work.
organizing blanket and clothing donations |
stuffing zip lock bags with small stacks of wipes |
and rolling socks |
while others rolled burritos |
We hauled the bags outside and set them up next to the burrito station so that folks could walk through and grab both on their way over to check out the clothes, blankets, dog food, feminine hygiene products that were theirs for the taking. There were also volunteers set up to give haircuts, and mentors available for conversation and support.
In no time at all, the bags were gone and we helped clean up the spaces that had been used for this fleeting, humbling experience. We had new conversations to ruminate, feelings to process, and productive ideas to nourish. As we walked back to the car, hungry and sweaty and inspired, we brainstormed ideas for what we would do to make the next outreach even better. We have so much to give, and so much to do. We are so grateful for all that we have and all that we can give, and to have finally begun to pay it forward.
Brunch Club 10.16.16
That is SO great, Jacq. Good for you & yours. xo
ReplyDeletebeautiful.
ReplyDeletePure awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteI love you all the more for this, J: "Some of us dorked out and cried a little because of the pride and the unknown and the gratitude and the hangover."
I feel you!
I think your approach is much superior to MADCAPS. I mean, seriously, you were assembling in a brewery! (But I am trying to keep an open mind....)
xoxo,
b
That's my favorite part too, Beth. And those dramatic beer vats are such a gorgeous backdrop to all those lovely, serious faces.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful program and I'm so glad you three could be part of it -- and I'm so proud of you all, too. Volunteering doesn't just help those who need help, dontcha
know.
Good for you guys. Good for the Brunch Club. Good for San Diego.
Love you peeps Big.
xoxox
Ellie
(p.s. Early??!)
I just re-read this and I'm so proud of you three. What a great way for the kids to spend a few hours and see how lucky they really are - especially to have you for a mom! I love you..... mom
ReplyDelete