This afternoon was an interesting contrast in human nature. On the one hand, there were 80 or so people who attended a lunch to support the operation of the emergency Shelter House. On the other hand, there were people in need who were lined up gathering groceries through the Crisis Center Food Pantry a mere half mile away.
I feel fortunate to live in a county that has the means to support those who are trying to stay afloat. Likewise, I feel that the goodness in people is demonstrated by how they treat others. At the food pantry, volunteers and workers go out of their way to try to meet needs of those needing the help. Unfortunately, not everything that is needed is always available. for instance, today they had plenty of yogurt and chips, but no toilet paper. They had toothpaste flavored for kids and none for adults.
Meanwhile, at the Shelter House lunch, there were beautiful salads, breads, and desserts that mostly were consumed by donors. A pianist played soothing classical music while politicos like Rod Sullivan, Connie Champion, and Congressman Loebsack's "man on the street," David Leshtz dined with congregation members, social service workers, and other good people who wanted to help. It was a pleasant afternoon with the brilliant sunshine flowing through the hall. In a tucked away place, a large cardboard box that is meant to be filled by members of the church for the Crisis Center Food Pantry stood empty as people filed past on their way back to their work-a-day world.
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