Two strangers at the door
Dec. 5th | Posted by Nicky
4 comments
The strangest thing just happened.
I was getting ready for a Christmas party this evening, in the bathroom in my bathrobe, when the doorbell rang. I opened the door and apologized for my appearance to the two teenagers standing on the steps. They asked if I had any bottles or cans I wanted to get rid of. I said “sure – I have a bunch of wine bottles in the basement, if you want them!” and asked them what they were fundraising for. Not fundraising, they said with a bit of a downward glance. They were raising money for food. I asked them if they were on their own, but they said “no, we live with our parents.” Yikes.
So we hauled a bunch of bottles out of the basement and I stuffed a bag of apples and juice boxes and granola bars in their hands. As my girls exchanged names with the shy boy, who was obviously a bit older, I asked the girl if they lived in the neighborhood. Just 2 blocks away, she said.
They took the bottles in two loads to the depot (just another two blocks away.) I was pretty shocked. I mean, I was used to this and so much more in Ethiopia, but that’s the first time I’ve had neighborhood teens come to my door in Canada for help.
Please donate to your foodbank. It’s a really really tough year for some families.
If you can’t get there or find them online, drop some cash into the Salvation Army kettle on-line. Thanks so much.
What perfect timing for this post. Xavier’s birthday is tomorrow and JOhn and I have been trying to decide what to do instead of showering him with gifts that he doesn’t need. We will now make a donation to our local food bank in Xavier’s name,something we will do every year on his birthday.
Thanks for the post!
John,Lorie and Xavier
Great idea, guys!
Wow! I grew up in a big family in Montreal and my Dad was the only one who worked. I remember the priest from our church leaving a big box of food at our door every Christmas – he would ring the bell and leave, but we knew he was the gift giver. My Mom was ever so thankful (as we all were).
Tonight I have a school meeting with my son’s teachers and since the economy crisis, many companies have laid off or closed their doors. I was planning to ask if there were any needy families who needed to have school supplies or extras bought for them anonymously of course.
Here in Italy people are very ashamed to have to let others know they are in need and don’t turn to strangers for help, so when they have a food drive at the local supermarket, we always buy bags of food for the drive.
That just breaks my heart!!!