Blogging Melodrama

Partnering in Kindness

The latest disaster has taken the attention off horror shots on the news of the war, and has focused instead on the relief efforts for the Tsunami devastated victims. I'm so glad to see coverage of our military doing something to save lives. They are happy to be true ambassadors of our country instead of being viewed only as a war machine. They can't volunteer fast enough to suit them. Now, that's true Americans that the world should see more of, like we used to be know for throughout history.

Here in Washington, we have our own local heroes. The Union Gospel Mission sends out reports on the relief efforts for our area's victims of poverty, broken homes, ravages of drugs, runaways, stranded travelers and whatever other reason a person finds themselves in need of help. I wrote before about making hats, scarves and stuff for the homeless and how happy I was that a local store volunteered to sell some of the hats for food money at Thanksgiving time.

Well check this out:
As Gary T. Rowell, Executive Director Aberdeen, WA UGM says" Lives once filled with despair are being transformed."

• 38,417 hot, nutritious meals were served.

• 10,728 nights of safe shelter were provided.

• 30,000 lost and hurting souls participated in UGM chapel services.

That's a great record for such a small place. If you've never been there; it's your basic run down building in great need of fixing. Yet out of a tiny hole in the wall office, peoples lives are being helped by eager caring volunteers who see the hunger, loneliness and suffering in the eyes of people right here in our area. If you have ever wondered what you could do to help your neighbors in need; volunteer at your local Union Gospel Mission. As far as I know, there is one in almost every city and state in our country.

As a final thought: You won't see advertisements for our starving children or struggling American mothers and fathers, because the world doesn't see U. S. A. as a needy country. From the State dog catchers to Nationwide authorities, Non of our political leaders want attention drawn to our street people. Authorities have gone so far as to herd these people up and chase them out of areas where the news might see them; when some convention or some other important display was being planned. But the fact is these people are there in your city and state and here in mine and they are all in need of food, clothing, shelter, guidance but most of all hope.

When you see the pictures of the devastated people on the TV think of your own neighbors that have their own personal devastation they are dealing with and won't you please....reach out a helping hand to them. Whatever you can do either physical or financial will change lives for the better. Without caring people like you and me, those in need would never know anyone cared.

posted by Jan myrz @ 10:53 AM