From the Sunday, November 25 edition of The Kansas City Star,
“When you provide food to a child, you are providing much more than a simple meal,” said Karen Haren, president and CEO of Harvesters. “Your gift is an investment in that child’s health, ability to do well in school and grow into someone who contributes to our community.”
Hunger is a real problem in Kansas City, the United States and the world. Just because it is the holiday season doesn't mean it's worse for homeless and hungry, but it's a good marketing opportunity for food banks and homeless shelters--a time when people are feeling their most generous. the Star followed Darius Bryant, a formerly homeless person who is now a college student. They told his story as only a home-town newspaper could, by letting him do the talking.
What I wonder is how this can happen in America today? With a general population that is so connected, so in-touch with each other, how do people like Bryant slip through the cracks? It would be great to have someone to blame, someone or something to point a finger at and say--there's the problem! But I think we'd all be lying to ourselves if we didn't point that same finger inward and say, there's the problem, it's with me!
I've volunteered at Harvesters (see quote above), but usually only when I had to for Kauffman Scholars or for work. I always take my kids with me and we always feel good following our work there, but I don't do it on a regular basis. Why not? Am I selfish, uncaring, unfeeling? I see kids coming to school with no breakfast, with no showers because their water got cut off, not eating lunch because they can't afford it. I've shared my lunch, I've directed students toward agencies that can help their families. But is that enough? Am I doing all I can? If people like Bryant exist, then clearly the answer is no.
What do you think? What have you done to help the cause of hunger in Kansas City, KS? What else can you do?
Aw...
ReplyDeletei havent done anything to help it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems is that this world is to busy with what they see can make their lives 'better' but there missing out on the true things that they need that can 'help' there's a difference. And because of that they tend to ignore people that can't get the things that they deem 'better' for life instead of the simple things that people really need to survive. Instead of trying to help out the people they can they use their time and resources to benefit themselves. If they could take the time every now and then to help the ones who can't really help themselves then maybe these kinds of situations would be less frequent, get noticed more, and the entire thing might turn around for the better.
ReplyDeleteI Haven't DOne Anything To Help Out To Hungry People .
ReplyDeletei really haven't done anything to help it, but i would love to help though.
ReplyDeletei helped my uncle feed the homeless
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on your blog post. I think i would have done the same because i hate to see students or people period go through thing such as the hunger. i have donate clothes and food the thing for Ms.Jones to help out the homeless people and the people that need things.
ReplyDeletei think that we should open up an organization where our school helps with the students who don't have food in there homes . sort of a fundraiser
ReplyDeleteWhy do people worry about homeless people on the Holidays? If it was up to me why not help them out everyday. There are tons of homeless people who wish they had a place to stay, & something to eat. I think it would be a great solution to provide more homeless shelters because I know most of us can't stand being outside in the burning hot, or the freezing cold for one minute. Imagine how they feel? What I'm trying to say is that it's better to help out everyday, just know it's for a good cause. I guess I haven't really helped out but whenever I do have cash on me I give a homeless person on the streets money. If I don't give money to the homeless whenever I see one I have something bad on my conscious, a horrible feeling.
ReplyDeletesome people in the world can make a big difference by giving help to them in need so they can live a better life.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that everyone is capable of helping someone else . There is always someone else who is less fortunate then the next person. We always feel the sadness for a homeless , poor, or just the less fortunate , We feel pain , but we cant dwell on the same feeling that they have , we talk about it , We even blogg about it , but What are we doing to Help them ? Absolutely NOTHING >
ReplyDeletei think homeless people are just sad. i would really like to help out by buying food and donating to a trustable foundation. i haven't help the hungry but i think ima start
ReplyDeleteYouko - I helped out shelters in town by donating
ReplyDeletefood to the needy .