I can remember my mother telling me stories of people knocking on their door during the depression, for food and a warm place to sleep. My grandmother would make them a sandwich (whatever), allow them to sleep in the barn, and tell them to pick some vegetables or fruit to take with them. In exchange, they would milk the cows or split fire wood. That day is long gone.
I cringe when I hear the problem is too big for any individual. It has to start with the individual and not depend on the government. Just a few simple things that come to mind:
When tissues are on sale, donate them to a head start program
When there's a bogo on laundry detergent, donate one to a animal rescue
When you find you don't like the case of black beans you purchased at Costco, donate
to a food bank.
Right now we're down sizing. The baby stuff we had for our grandchildren when they slept over will be going to a young couple starting out. We've asked when they are done with the items to donate to a shelter for abused woman with children. What you may see as junk, would make a tremendous difference to someone else.
The mess of the world begins with us.
|