The local food bank’s shelves are stocked to the brim, the toys and Christmas hampers have been sent out, and once again, local residents have pulled through to make sure families in need are full in their bellies and hearts this season.
A person may not always know the impact of a kind deed – people give to the food bank, Operation Christmas Child, Santa’s Elves or the Knights of Columbus’ Christmas hampers and hope their donation is appreciated. But the people on the front lines helping to deliver these goods know how an unexpected gift can bring out a smile on a child’s face, or how a bag of food can take the burden off a single parent and bring them joy in knowing he or she can put out a meal for the family’s Christmas dinner.
You never know just who may need extra help because pride often keeps people from broadcasting their struggles - a neighbour, a friend or even a family member may be the person who is down on luck and relying on a hand to get through the Christmas season. One realizes just how the broad the spectrum is after spending an hour at the food bank; people of various ages and diverse backgrounds come in for extra goods to tide them over until their next cheque comes through, and some people’s faces speak volumes of gratitude as they walk back out the doors.
Everyone who gives a bit of their time, money or efforts to make a drop in the ocean of kindness, not just at Christmas time but throughout the year, deserves appreciation. However, the front line coordinators and volunteers for various charitable projects should be doubly praised for their yearly efforts. They may not receive any formal recognition for connecting those who can help with those who need help, but they are the unsung heroes that help make our communities better places to live and we thank them.
