As I write we are getting a day of relief from the oppressive heat. Many people who have to work in those conditions have really been struggling. That includes the many people who volunteer to help provide food and other essentials to FISH clients. There is no magic to this effort just hard work and they need our thanks.
I have just spent some time traveling and learning what people in other places in our country do to help each other. The theme of the conference I attended was “what can one person do.”
I was attracted to that theme because I am only one person interested in making the lives of others better right where I live. I have no power to work beyond this county so it is essential that I do what I can right here. I think that is an easy answer for most people who live among us so the more people who adopt this attitude the better our county will be.
The volunteers of FISH roll up their sleeves and get to work. Recently we have had a serious drop in donations from our gardens. I know my own garden is not the best this year but I bet there are many tomatoes and cucumbers that could find their way to FISH food pantry if people realized the need. Those zucchini that rot in the field would be a treasure to our clients. Please see what you have that you do not need for your family and drop it off any day but Monday when we are closed. It would be greatly appreciated.
Church financial donations are an essential part of the funds we use. July brought donations from seven churches most of whom are regular contributors. There are nearly 90 churches in our county who could make FISH part of their stewardship to their community if they thought of those who struggle among us. FISH served 475 different households last month some of whom are living in motels, and tents this month. It seems obvious that there are other churches who could step up to have a donation day or a food drive. Our present donors have their donations built into their yearly budget. Those churches provide funds on a regular basis.
FISH is participating in the local initiative called First Door that is in a pilot program for uniting services to the poor. Each Monday from 4-6 p.m. at the Youth Service Bureau on Pike Street we have been trying to reach out to those people who are in need of help to get housing, food, clothes, medical services and all the other essentials of our lives. From my vantage point the program is helping people each week who have not known how to get the help they need. This centralized time and place is working to make those connections. Once this pilot is complete it appears to show the community that centralized access to services is essential. How this can be accomplished is yet to be determined.
FISH clothing bank is getting ready to change over to fall clothing needs. Looking at my grandchildren I know what they wore last fall and winter will not be in their closet this year. If you find as you change over to more seasonal clothing that last years jacket is too small donate it in our clothing bin. Be sure things are clean and dropped off in a plastic bag. You will see someone on the street that appreciates your thoughtful gift.
The need for volunteers for FISH is always great. See when you may be available or get your name on a call list for when big donations or government commodities arrive. The more hands we have to support shelving the products that arrive or assisting our clients the better our program can be. We always need additional help when there is illness or travel for our volunteers.
If you are able to help contact us through our P.O. Box 261 or call 765-362 3474. As one person I know you can find a way to help.
Linda Cherry is president of FISH. She contributes a monthly column to the Journal Review.
