Kindness Is Always In Season
Meredith Knopp
Well, this December is certainly unique! Who ordered all the snow? It looks more like Michigan, where I am from, than St. Louis – but either way, it is beautiful and certainly sets the tone for the holidays.
Holidays are a time for joy, for peace, and for hope. It is a time to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to the future. Some people choose to indulge in the tradition of making “New Year’s Resolutions” to discuss what they want to do or be different in the new year. Regardless of your traditions or celebrations, one thing is consistent across them – food is at the center.
From baking sweet treats to bring to co-workers or neighbors, to gathering with family and friends, at some point in the next 30 days, you will attend an event with incredible dishes and smells that make you smile. That is our wish at the St. Louis Area Foodbank – that everyone has an opportunity to experience the joys of the holiday season, with family, friends, and some great food.
We also know that wishing isn’t enough to make this a reality for everyone. It is going to take action, focused and random acts of kindness, the rolling up of sleeves (if only metaphorically due to the temperatures!), and an intentional commitment from people in our community who have resources to make this possible for those who may come up short this holiday season.
I have seen firsthand the kindness and generosity of this region.
From rallying to support families impacted by the devastating tornado in May, to a community that rallied to support families affected by the government shutdown, our region comes together to help each other. Maybe it is because so many in our community have been impacted by events and circumstances beyond their control. They have “been there,” and because someone was there for them, they overcame those obstacles and now are giving back to others. Whatever the reason, it is truly humbling and such an honor to live and work in such a philanthropic region.
This holiday season, as you make plans for merriment with your family and friends, and look at your New Year’s Resolutions, our humble ask is that you take a moment to reflect on how you might bring some holiday cheer to someone who might be struggling to find theirs right now. It truly does not take much – and as we say in our family, “kindness is always in season”. It can be as easy as making a financial donation to the St. Louis Area Foodbank. It is simple and secure – and with over 97 cents of every dollar going to programs and ways to support neighbors here in our community. You can trust that your gift provides healthy, hearty foods to families in need, right here in our community.
You can make a gift in less than 2 minutes by clicking here.
Or maybe your family would like to volunteer with us. We have many volunteer opportunities at our facility, packing and preparing food to go out to families in our community, or at a food distribution in one of the 26 counties we serve. Either way, just 2 hours of your time will make an impact on others and make a difference in your life.
You can sign up to volunteer by clicking here.
Or perhaps you would like to start a food drive to help fill pantries across the region. You can find a list of our most needed holiday items here:
No matter how you choose to share your gifts with others, know that they are so deeply appreciated, especially during the holidays. At our recent food distribution at SIUE campus, over 2,200 families lined up for food, spotlighting the incredible need this time of year. A community member in line to receive food, with tears in her eyes, said to me:
“Bless you for volunteering today and doing this – normally I am able to give to support you, but this year I have to receive – I wish I didn’t”. I just smiled at her and said, “Ma’am- we are grateful for your support in the past, and even more grateful that you turned to the Foodbank when you needed help. We will be here for you – as long as you need us”.
She had no idea that I was not a volunteer, nor did I know her name, and that made it even more special. On that morning, on a cold, drizzly day in Illinois, two strangers became friends, and her sadness and despair turned to hope and a smile. Because of your support, we can help our neighbors and show kindness to those who need it most.
Please join us this holiday season to help us spread even more joy to more families in our community.
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and hearty holiday – and thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your support of the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
