December 2022 | The Season of Giving
Message from the Director
During this Christmas week we received a phone call from a man and his wife in our community. He was well spoken, kind and very clearly educated.
He said, “Hello, my name is Jerry. My wife and I have never done this before. See we’re very old fashioned, and it’s hard for me to ask for help. We’ve had jobs our whole lives, so this is a bit embarrassing for us. Since we are in our 70’s we are on a fixed income now. We only get a check once a month, and last night we ate our last meal. There isn’t any food left. I’m sorry again for having to ask, please understand it genuinely is difficult for me to ask for help. We were just wondering if it would be possible for us to get some food from your pantry?”
As Jerry spoke, his wife could be heard in the background asking what the pantry’s address is so she could calculate if they had enough gas in their car to get here.
Our staff member was delighted to be able to tell Jerry and his wife that we would be pleased to help them every week. We know the cost of food is exorbitant, making it impossible for a huge number of our neighbors to make ends meet, especially those who are living on a fixed income.
For Jerry and his wife, the phone call to our pantry provided the imperative gift of a heavy burden lifted off them.
During this wondrous time of year your gifts have made it possible for hundreds of families to have hope and even to enjoy this Christmas. Your faithful contributions all year have provided for thousands of individuals to have food before they go to bed at night. Children have been able to go to school fed. Seniors like Jerry and his wife are able to make ends meet in spite of the economic challenges they are facing.
Therefore, from each of us here at POBC Pantry we want to send our warmest heartfelt greetings.May you and your family experience the joy and peace of this magnificent season.
We look forward to our continued partnership this coming year.
Best Regards,
Betty Brown
Executive Director
