As I learned the other day, when I tried fundraising for myself and my blog, many Americans are distracted, fascinated, angered, or uplifted by the Democratic National Convention. But the pantry patrons still need to eat.
I know better, but that has never stopped me or the Army of Good. We are on a roll in a good and meaningful place, and I’d love to keep it going for as long as possible.
I understand the drop-off. I watched and read about the convention until 1 a.m. this morning. Like it or not, it was fascinating to watch. I will need to take a nap.
Hunger doesn’t take any breaks, and the ever-vigilant Sarah found herself with some empty shelves. She is worried.
(Note: For “Smile Day,” Maria made a “Joy” Potholder in the shape of dish soap. It is for sale on her Etsy Page, with proceeds going to the food pantry. The potholder will cost $25.60, plus shipping, and ten bottles of dish soap will be purchased by her.)
I’ll be direct: As always, our donations to the food pantry stopped entirely on Monday and Tuesday. I hope we can offer some relief today.
I brainstormed with Sarah: How about trying to have a ‘Pantry Smile Day?’ It’s a powerful initiative that brings joy and hope to those struggling to feed themselves. They suddenly smile when they see something they love but can no longer afford. They are so happy to bring their good stuff home.
I asked her for the names of items that make the Pantry patrons smile when they see them on the shelves and bring them home to their families and children. She responded right away; she never seems to sleep.
The country is on edge, one way or the other. I thought it a wonderful day to do some good and give people who are struggling something to smile about. They are frightened, hungry, and under a lot of pressure. Our donations have been lifting their spirits; they are keenly aware of it when we slow down or get distracted.
One woman came into the Pantry for food earlier this week and said that because the pantry helped her, she was finally able to pay her bills on time. “We just forget how much people are struggling,” she wrote. Sarah has a big heart, which one must have in her work.
I told Sarah I didn’t think she had ever forgotten that people were struggling. She had no answer. I know she never stops thinking of the people who come to the pantry seeking help feeding their families. I hope I will be the same way.
We have made an enormous difference for them at little cost to us. I feel in my heart that many of us will take a few minutes to fill those shelves with the things that make people happy, give them pride, and also make them smile, something they don’t often get to do.
The three favorite “Smile.” items:
Gain Ultra Bleach Alternative Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Honey Berry Hula, 21.6 fl oz., $2.56.
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty, Original Scent, 21 Loads, $5.50.
Armour Star Corned Beef Hash, Hearty Homestyle Canned Food, 12-14 Oz Cans, $31.89.
Plus, these eight other items on the Cambridge Pantry Amazon Wish List are available for you to browse and purchase if you like and want a break or relief from politics. I can’t think of a better way to do a bunch of good.
Plus Cut and Diced Canned Potatoes, Canned Vegetables, 12 Pack, 14.5 Oz, $19.08.
Fresh Cut Canned Beets Sliced, 12 Pack, 8.25 Oz, $12.72.
Near East Rice Pilaf, 6.09 Oz, $2.26.
Grated Parmesan Cheese Shaker, 8 Oz, $2.96.
Seattle’s est Roasted Dark Blend Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bags, Pack of 3, $16.69.
Pace Mild Red Enchilada Sauce, 10.5 Can, $1.58.
Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Pub-Style Chicken Pot Pie Soup, $16.03 Can (Case of 8), $15.68.
Campbell’s Soup, New England Clam Chowder, 16.0z Can, (Case of 8), $15.68.
All of the items above—the entire Wish List—are wanted and needed. Once Sarah sees that some have been purchased, she removes them from the List, and the donors can move on to something else if they wish. Thanks so much for helping us. Our motto is to do the best we can do for as long as we can do it. Sarah makes it much easier for us by sitting up all night and scouring for bargains on Amazon.
You can access the Wish List anytime by clicking on the 24-hour, seven-days-a-week list or by clicking on the green pantry button at the bottom of every one of the posts on my blog:
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