Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

I learned a powerful lesson about hunger and need and was deeply moved by the unwavering dedication of Sarah Harrington and the Cambridge Pantry volunteers. If there was a reward for commitment and humanity, they ought to get it.

The lines of cars went back more than a mile as car by car and truck by truck showed the volunteers a ticket proving they were members entitled to a full Thanksgiving dinner, turkey, and stuffings.

The Army of Good’s swift response made a significant impact, earning them second place. Their quick action and dedication made a huge difference in the community, a testament to our collective response to hunger everyone involved should be proud of.

(above, a portrait of commitment and community.)

A couple or two tried to get food without a ticket but didn’t get far. The weather was miserable—dark, cold, and rainy. The pantry crew was right on it; if they gave food to people without tickets, somebody down the line would get nothing.

A good fairy in the form of an Amazon truck (you did a great job, Tom) showed up in the middle of all the tracks with boxes of food from the Army of Good; it was almost biblical.

I couldn’t see the end of the lines. The distribution was computerized (a Sarah innovation), and Pastor Jim checked the names against the list. There were some bumps initially, but Sarah got everything going, as usual.

Sarah officially ran the night with Kim’s help, checking the list against the cars and ensuring the members got what they were entitled to.

Tom showed up in an Amazon van loaded with Army of Good donations. I wanted to cry, and I did shake Tom’s hand; the night was beautiful and stirring, as cold and miserable as the weather.

The Cambridge Volunteers are hardy country folk. They didn’t blink much in the weather or the cold; they did their work without complaint. My electronic car key froze, and I couldn’t unlock or drive it. Scott and two of the other men in the truck fixed it. I was grateful.

A kindly young volunteer saw that I wasn’t wearing a jacket and was getting wet, so she offered to give me her coat. It was sweet and kind, a reminder that I am getting older. I said no and thank you, and she urged me to go home and get out of the rain. I eventually took the advice. Maria was not impressed, reminding me that I had a bad cold.

They were right, of course, but all around me were people getting soaked, hauling bags of food, and standing in the cold with humor and plenty of energy.

It was inspiring, and I was excited to see it; I didn’t want to leave.

This was a remarkable things for me to see and be a part of. So many people worked hard for days and days to get together all the food, organize the event, and make sure people backed up against the wall by raising food prices and were at least going to have a complete Thanksgiving Dinner with every single thing that goes with it, from a turkey to cranberry juice to Turkey stuffing and fruit.

I couldn’t be happier or prouder to have played even the smallest part.

I need to thank the Army of Good again for answering the call and making this event work just as Sarah wanted. I wish you could have been here to see the gratitude and excitement of the pantry members, who lined up for hours in the dark and cold to get their dinner.

Thanks. Tonight, I felt my life was entirely meaningful. It feels much better to do good than to hate people and argue about what good is.

I appreciate your continued support and then some.

I asked Sarah today – the big day of the Thanksgiving Dinner giveaway to every member of the Food Pantry – if it would be okay to focus my camera on the invisible heroes who make the pantry work and devote long hours to helping their neighbors in need. These are the heroes of America, as I know and imagine the country.

Inside, the volunteers stuffed bags all day. The second shift arrived this evening to pass out the frozen turkeys and stuffing to cars that drove by a tent in front of the pantry.

When I asked Sarah about the idea, she responded with enthusiasm, “Sure, that sounds like a great idea.” Their selflessness was evident when I asked for permission to take their photos. They didn’t seek praise, money, or recognition; they were happy to do it for the cause, and their genuine smiles were a testament to their altruism. Nobody can fake smiles like that.

They are a remarkable group of people, warm and caring. It is easy to get them to smile; they have big hearts and generous spirits. They don’t need to be told what it’s like not to have enough food; they all seem to understand and empathize with the needs of their community.

The pantry has many good things to me, but the one that stands out is the volunteers who are dedicated to the pantry. They devote their time, energy, and hearts to the people who have nowhere else to go, just as Jesus urged. Their dedication is truly inspiring.

Portraits are my favorite kind of photography. I only take portraits of people I like, love, or respect, and they all come out well. Pictures don’t lie.

The pantry fiercely protects its members’ privacy. At 5 p.m., people can pull up in front of the tent, and volunteers will hand them their frozen turkeys and all the stuffings and food that go with a full turkey dinner.  They will not need to get out of their dinner.

I didn’t use names because I needed to figure out how to keep track of them and get it right. I guessed they prefer not to be identified by name – I don’t ask for that –  but were happy to smile for me. They get paid nothing and show up whenever there is a need, which is just about every day. They don’t need or seek praise or any compensation.

My pal Kyle, I’m getting him an Elf suit for Christmas.

They were stuffing bags in the chapel all afternoon.

The smiles are so genuine and natural.

People of warmth and generosity,

The faces say so much,

From the shelves. It’s hard work. They do it thoughtfully and colorfully.

In the waiting room, it takes a small army to put everything together correctly. Nobody will get a package that is missing a thing.