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.