Happy New Year



 
Happy New Year to everyone!!! I am not one to make New Year's resolutions but this year I am making one big change.  Driving through this city day after day, I am amazed at the increase in the homeless population.  There are people camped
out in cardboard boxes and under dirty old blankets everywhere. It makes me so sad.


I can't imagine how horrible it would be to be homeless.  Especially since most people frown on you.  People look at the homeless like lost causes when I am sure not many choose to live this way. It is so easy to become homeless these days. I decided that I am going to do what I can to help.  So, I am going to cook for a local homeless shelter as often as I can.  People might be living on the streets and under bridges but they still deserve a decent meal.  Yesterday I baked loaves of fruit and nut bread.

I packed up all of my extra Christmas cookies.

I wrapped it all up.

Along with a huge pot of broccoli cheese soup that I made earlier in the morning.

I baked a bunch of loaves of bread too.  I took it to the shelter and they were thrilled to get it. They feed over 300 people there each day. For now I will make food at home and deliver it.  Hopefully I can eventually cook in their kitchen so I can prepare larger portions.  I think we all need to be responsible for people less fortunate than we are.  I know I would appreciate the help if I were in their place.  Maybe if we all contributed what we can, we could alleviate some of their despair. Just a small drop in a big pond but I know I will sleep better at night.

Comments

Anonymous said…
They need all the help they can get and I'm glad You decided to do what You can, every little drop helps You know.

It's getting worse over here too, even though we have a law that says families with children aren't allowed to be evicted it still happens.

Have a good continuing of this year!
Christer.
January 1, 2013 at 9:42 AM
Dee said…
I really like that idea. Thank God for people like you.
January 1, 2013 at 10:03 AM
Anonymous said…
what a sweet heart you are, you are truly a gift you are, so kind.
January 1, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Unknown said…
I think you are very, very kind. And yes, I also think it is oh too easy to end up like these poor people. Bless you, Joyce. xx
January 1, 2013 at 10:11 AM
brokenteepee said…
Fortunately our little town doesn't see too much in the way of homeless but the food bank has seen a frightening increase in demand and a huge cut in supply.

You are a gem!
January 1, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Auntie sezzzzzz... said…
You should sleep better at night! You are choosing to be a real difference. Not just a check in the mail, to Care For The Needy.

You are doing it, hands on.

You have a marvelous gift of being able to do magic, in your kitchen. Instead of just keeping it to family and friends, you are going to spread it out, to the needy in your city.

I am proud to know you, Joyce...
January 1, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said…
What a wonderful gesture of kindness. Many homeless are educated people, veteran's or folks that just had something in their life go wrong that was too much to deal with. I'm looking forward to your posts. Happy New Year!
January 1, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Heather said…
What a beautiful thing you are doing.
January 1, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Joy said…
What a very thoughtful thing to do Joyce! Your delicious food will mean a lot to so many people there. Wishing you a happy new year!
January 1, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Dog Trot Farm said…
What a wonderful act of kindness Joyce. If we all did our part the world would be a better place. There are so many in need, our focus here at Dog Trot Farm goes toward the homeless animal population. Giving does the heart good. Happy New Year to you, blessings, Julie.
January 1, 2013 at 12:25 PM
wranglerkate said…
I think that's the first such selfless New Year's resolution I've heard - good for you! You are inspiring - thanks for sharing. Happy New Year to you and those you love.
January 1, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Barbara F. said…
I think you found a great niche for yourself, Joyce. You can easily cook food for large amounts of people, and good, nourishing, soul satisfying food. Karma (and Bev) are smiling at you, best of luck going forward. You will do so much good. Wish I could help you. Happy New Year! xo
January 1, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Debra She Who Seeks said…
Bless you, Joyce, you are an inspiration!
January 1, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Ina in Alaska said…
That is a wonderful thing! Happy New Year!
January 1, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Nellie said…
How wonderful of you to make this gesture! You will truly be a blessing to them!
January 1, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Michelle said…
A wonderful and loving gesture. One that did not go unappreciated.
January 1, 2013 at 3:31 PM
the wild magnolia said…
Oh I am so proud of you! Not surprised at all that you would feel this way, or that you would help.

You do this for no thanks and I know this. I do however wish the good karma return to you three times three.
January 1, 2013 at 3:59 PM
petoskystone said…
Wonderful idea! So many more depend on soup kitchens to eat...employed, underemployed, unemployed.
January 1, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Barb said…
How very kind of you. I think when you help others, you are also helping yourself.
January 1, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Ellen in Oregon said…
Your contribution will really make a difference to so many people in need. I worked in social services most of my life. It is a hard reality that more than half of people who work full time are just one paycheck away from being homeless. Those desparately needing to access food pantries is no longer greatest in the urban areas, but in our formerly middle class suburbs where hunger is a growing epidemic. Being unable to feed your family is seen as a shame rather than a reality of "The human condition". In a Country where more than half of our children will go to bed hungry tonight, I am so greatful for your decision to contribute via your wonderful cooking/baking. I can honestly say that for each person who I helped improve their life, wheather it was to find someone a job or just make them laugh with a joke when they were feeling hopeless, I always received more out of the relationship than I contributed. Nothing makes you feel as good as helping someone. Anyone who receives the meal you cook will know it was made by someone who puts her heart & soul into whatever she prepares. Thank you.
January 1, 2013 at 5:33 PM
Anonymous said…
That is so kind of you! I'm sure you've made some people very happy.
January 1, 2013 at 6:21 PM
jody said…
so sweet and thoughtful of you! sleep well!
January 1, 2013 at 6:32 PM
luckybunny said…
I think it's amazing all you are doing and it makes a huge difference. I can't believe they feed 300 people each day. Well I can believe it, but it's still pretty overwhelming.
January 1, 2013 at 7:36 PM
Lady Jo said…
Have you heard of a program called One Bag? Basically you keep a couple bags in the trunk of your car that hold a few necessities that a homeless person might need... some foods, tootbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, some stationary/enevelopes & stamps, deoderant, new socks, etc. First Aid items. Contact info and address for local shelters. If you see someone on the side of the road asking for help, you give them one of the pre-packaged bags that is already in your trunk.
January 1, 2013 at 8:16 PM
Edie said…
Joyce, I know that Beverly would have been right beside you in this marvelous endeavor, perhaps carrying on the flame you have ignited here in KY. Thank you for your kindness.
January 2, 2013 at 5:28 AM
Guillaume said…
Happy new year to you.
January 2, 2013 at 1:48 PM
Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said…
Joyce, I won't say much here as I wrote you a (too long) letter but you know how I feel.
Hugs,
Mona
January 2, 2013 at 4:48 PM
chickpea678 said…
Joyce, your new year's resolution warmed my heart. As a previous poster wrote, you're bringing food to the homeless that is full of your heart and soul. You are a powerhouse!
February 10, 2013 at 9:30 AM
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