Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hope

Monday I visited with a boy at a local Boys and Girls Club here in Lubbock. We are currently working on a video project for the Food Bank, so there was another staff member with me as well as our camera man.

As this young man and I continued to visit he really began to open up about what a difficult time his mother has been having since she lost her job. And then I heard him say something that I just couldn't believe.

"I didn't eat yesterday," he said as if talking about the weather. "I didn't eat at all yesterday until I came here for breakfast."

He hadn't eaten because it had been Sunday and the Summer Feeding Program at the Boys and Girls Club where he attends during the week had been closed for the weekend.

This video project has opened my eyes to a whole new world - a family of seven living in a three bedroom 700 sq.ft. house; having to make choices EVERYDAY between food and gas in the car to go look for a job - between food and rent - between food and activities for the kids - between food and school supplies. This project has introduced me to grandparents and parents who sacrifice themselves; go to bed hungry; do whatever it takes so their little ones have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food in their bellies.

I have found some who are not able to provide even the basics. I have sat in households where two meals a day is considered a treat and water is not just used to hydrate the kids as they play, but also a cheap way to trick their tummies into thinking they are full.

Today I sat down a cried because I have so little to give. But when I explain services to them and they realize we have a school supply drive coming up, and there are places were they can get some school clothes for their children, and that there is help available I know I am able to give them something.

The only thing I can give them is hope. I can only give that to them because of the kindness of everyone of you who gives food, gives money, gives time, and gives your voice to the South Plains Food Bank and our more than 220 agencies.