Food for Thought...

It's been a while since I've last written, and I've been feeling guilty. Not because there's a ton of people who are just waiting to read what I've posted next (I mean let's face it: there's no one), but because I've broken my own promise to myself. I've always wanted to be able to write professionally, and I figured a blog would be a good place to start.

Today (or more like yesterday, now...) I volunteered for AIDS Walk For Life, at the foods/beverages station. It was fun, and I met some really cool people. A few of them turned out to be homeless, who had just come to eat our free hamburgers. This one man (I'd say in his 40's) was so friendly. We had a great conversation about AIDS and what this walk was for. Of course, not all homeless people are respectful (or even have control of their own minds). One older man, who appeared to have a mental disorder, threw a tantrum when we gave him a veggie burger, and continued to swear at us when we gave him another burger. The previously mentioned homeless man knew what a scene this guy was making, so he diverted his attention towards something else, and led the other man away.

Having spent most of this summer around homeless people, they continue to still surprise me with their various personalities. But what I've realized most is that they are just like us. They deserve the same amount of respect that you give to your friends.  I've always felt sorry for these sort of people, because they have never been able to step out of their unfortunate stereotype. But, even still, I've been wary of walking too close or talking to them. You never know who the "bad seed" is.

After the Walk, we had some leftover burgers. Instead of throwing them out, I asked our supervisor if it would be okay to give them to the homeless people around the Plaza. He agreed, and so I walked over to the man picking through the trash. He was so thankful for the food, and took two burgers. Then I saw another homeless lady sitting on the benches, so I walked over to her. She took five burgers and the aluminum pan they were in, all the while thanking us for being so generous. I walked away with a smile on my face.

Even though I only fed two people (in all of Downtown), I'm glad. At least they had dinner tonight, and maybe lunch tomorrow. During the summer, I was happy to be able to give the homeless ladies our half-empty bottles of water. Just so they can get some money from the plastic. It happened today, as well.

I want to help. Giving food to the homeless shelter isn't enough, because not all homeless people go there. I know it's impossible to feed every person there... but handing out food to some is a start. Right?

So many people want to make a difference, but don't know how or want to make the effort. That was me, just last year. But having spent my Spring Break in Mexico building houses... well, my eyes have opened. And this summer just opened them more.

I'd love to be able to do something. I'd love to bake food, or buy food, and hand them out to those I see on the street. I don't believe in handing people money. But what right do I have in denying them food? Everyone deserves kindness and something to eat. And I want to help, in any way I can. It might even help me grow as a journalist.

For whoever reads this, if you want to help me, that would be amazing. I just decided this today (or more like, thought about it), and still don't know where to go from here. It's a process. Always will be. But the way I see it, if everyone does their part in making this world a better place and helping one another out, the only way the progress will go is up. And that's a good thing.