Figure out 10 new and innovative ways to help the homeless/poor/sick/mentally ill/ who the hell ever else ...just help any one that needs help...that does not include simply donating money

sure, it sorta falls into that “donate money” thing but there’s a twist

I am often surprised by the things that I see donated to the Soup Kitchen “Pancake Syrup” (which is really nothing more than cornsyrup with some flavoring), “salad dressing” which is some oily salty stuff with a wishbone on the label, and I cannot even begin to describe the chemical compounds that are in just about everything elese. (where is my Period Table of the Elements when I need it) but I digress…

When making donations, chosing products that are not made primarily of sugar, salt, and fat is a great way to help people in need. Remember, this population is at risk healthwise on so many fronts, so why serve up “foods” that will eventually lead to diabetes or heart disease?

By making the right choices today, we can ensure the long term health and welfare of people in need.

Doing things for the Soup Kitchen, really just doing things for people, is what motivates me more than anything else. I come off that Soup Kitchen high and all sorts of other things find themselves knocked off my to-do list.

I spotted two challenges at the Soup Kitchen early on – obtaining the resources needed to feed the people in the manner in which we strive, and feeling productive while being able to stand aside to let other volunteers, especially first timers, contribute and get that Soup Kitchen glow.

Today I jumped in with both feet and asked to do more. (Remember, the answer is always “no” unless you ask!) In the next week or so I will be meeting with the priest to discuss a role in writing grant proposals as well as seeking community support for the work of the Soup Kitchen.

While one could easily make the case that grant proposals are ‘donating money,’ its not my money that I am donating. Instead I am donating my time and using my skill set to obtain money and resources from the community at large.

(and kill two birds with one stone!)

With the seasonal changes its time to put away summer clothes and pull out winter clothes. This season, make an extra effort to delete those items that you no longer want and donate them to one of the many help organizations.

Organizing a closet is not a motivating or inspiring activity, but if you dangle the carrot of helping others in front of your self, you may just tackle that closet afterall!

Awareness is essential to helping people in need.

By discussing some of the work done at the Marys And Marthas Soup Kitchen some people, including a local culinary store, have made some substantial donations to the food kitchen.

Sure, the things they did were very pedestrian, but had I not spoken about the soup kitchen those donations most likely would have found their way into a dumpster.

There is a finite number of things that each of us can do on our own, but talking is cheap, and we never know when our words will fall on the ear of someone with a resource that can do a great deal of good. So keep talking!

I dont know if this even exists…it may. I have to do the research. But I am amazed by how much food that the resturaunt industry just throws away. Not the stuff left on the plate that people sit and drool over. You know, the stuff thats a bit charred, or not assembled correctly, or that is just disgarded for any other inane reason. So much food that can feed so many hungry..

part of this goal is embodied in two other goals, plant an herb garden and Plant a Row for the Hungry

Herbs, primarily herbs that can find their way into salads, and heairloom tomatos are planned for the garden. Both will find their way to the Soup Kitchen so that fresh produce will be a small part of the meals of our guests. As silly as it seems, there is something about Parsley finding its way onto a plate as a garnish that will probably bring a little dignity to a meal too.

Yes I am a paid employee, but going above and beyond is something I take great pleasure in. Always smiling, giving warmth and offering a shoulder should any of our senior citizens need it, I am there.

After discovering that many of the charities that collect clothes for the needy sell the unusable and unwearable clothes (ripped, stained, solo socks) to fabric recyclers. The fabric recyclers provide cash to pay for things like the electricity that keeps the fridge in the soup kitchen running.

My sphere of influence in my church has grown just a bit and now old towels and such are left with my brass polishing things on a regular basis so they I can take them to the fabric recycler bin.

Simple things, like changing how we treat our discards, can make a huge difference in the life of someone else, without really affecting how we live our lives.

donating time, talent, and treasure to the Mary and Martha’s Soup Kitchen at Christ Church has become a routine for me, and Jeero

There are several people in my church who own their own businesses. Why not involve them?

We have collection barrels in the Narthex of our church for the food pantry, care closet (health and beauty items), and local animal shelter – why not take it a step further and see if I can get members of my church to include a basket in their shop, salon, or office ?
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It will take some effort – but it should be worth it.