Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I served at Soul Kitchen yesterday (Sunday) and got back more than I gave.

They have one fundraiser a year and raise $1000 to fund their entire budget for the year. Since they serve a hot meal every Sunday that averages to less than $20 a week. A real shoe-string budget. Much of the food is donated, but they still need to purchase some of it. There are many other costs that are kind of hidden in the process but are very necessary - name tags for those guests that wish to wear them, take-home food boxes (the non-Styrofoam ones are more expensive, so now the limit is one a week) hand sanitizer, napkins,  and more.

The fundraiser is a month  and two days from now and part of it was likely not to happen because there was no coordinator. I have never done anything like this before, however I am passionate about the Soul Kitchen so I am now the coordinator of the silent auction.

My main focus right now is getting items for it. I am donating photos I have taken, matted and framed. I live on a limited income but attend a church where the majority of people are quite comfortable and so am soliciting items for the auction from my congregation.

I will be present at a meeting this week at the host church to coordinate their contributions as well. Some of our members who already serve at the Soul Kitchen are looking at other ways to engage with and support the church that hosts it. It is important to partner a more financial stable congregation with one with needs. The way I see it ours has the money, but theirs actually has the feet on the ground. Maybe we can give them some needed financial resources and they can teach us about giving of ourselves.