Entertaining Angels Unaware
April 12th, 2008 by Meredith Merchant_Ships
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I feel strongly that hospitality should not be limited to the home.
Last year I shared my fears of the homeless around the downtown library. My instinct is to shield my children from possible danger.
My heart said it was even worse to do nothing while my children watch.
I got a lot of good advice. We started assembling a sort of "homeless sack lunch" for on-the-spot hospitality. Here are some of the items I have included:
- Shelf stable products in individual packs (raisins, nuts, soft beef jerky)
- Soft foods for people with dental problems (applesauce, pudding cups, spoons)
- Whole grain muffins
- Water bottles
- $1 in cash
I keep these in the trunk of the car and stash a few in the stroller for downtown errands and urban park trips. I find my best supplies with coupons and at discounters like Big Lots.
It’s not much, but it’s better than doing nothing at all.
If you’re not in an urban area, keep in mind that food banks have empty shelves near summertime. If you’re spring cleaning the kitchen, pack your extras for someone you can’t invite over for lunch.
How does your family show hospitality to those in need? Share your suggestions in the comments or at Blissfully Domestic forums.
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April 12th, 2008 at 6:36 am
What a wonderful idea! Our family does something similar. We purchase new tube socks and fill them with canned chili, add fruit snacks, a new toothbrush, napkins, plastic spoon and a package of hot cocoa or a teabag. Then we tie the top of the sock into a knot. We also keep ours in the van. You can read more about assembling the socks on my blog @ http://pamomofseven.blogspot.com/2007/11/dentist-friends-ministry.html
April 12th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Great post. April is the month for youth service, too - so it’s a great idea to include your kids in the project.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:18 am
What an amazing attitude you have. And an awesome idea to be kind. I have a ministry to teenagers on parole from juvenile prison we provide a food pantry for them and metoring and preperation for adult living programs. Come see our blog automissionmakeover.blogspot.com
You inspire. Thank you.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:37 am
What a wonderful idea. You made my eyes tear up a bit
April 12th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
All of these were such great ideas. I volunteer at the food pantry one day a week, so I would like to let the readers know that donating to the FP is a wonderful idea. With food prices rising and children soon out for the summer (i.e. no free lunch at school) families are really struggling. Even with jobs and a car, a bump in the road such as illness can put a family in great need. I know this is a long post, but I would like to make one suggestion–if you plant a garden, plant some extra rows and take that produce to the nearest food pantry. We rarely get fresh vegetables, but when we do they are so welcome.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
This is really a great idea. Here in Portland, we have a cafe called Sisters of the Road, for which you can buy meal vouchers to hand out. They are very inexpensive - $2 each!
http://www.sistersoftheroadcafe.org/
April 14th, 2008 at 7:46 am
That is a wonderful example for the children. I live in an area with many many homeless people. It is so sad to see them standing on a corner with a sign begging for money. I admit sometimes my “Christian” self does not kick in and I say to my husband ‘why don’t they go get a job? I would rather do anything than stand on a corner and beg” but then later I am reminded in my prayer that I do not know their circumstance. Maybe they are ill, mental illness? Who knows. I try to always treat them with kindness and respect. I also give them bags I have made up. I am lucky to have shirts, (t-shirts) that come from my brother in law’s company. These are misprinted t-shirts that he can not sell, perfect except the silkscreen print is off center or something. I often give a pair of socks, and then because my husband travels a lot I have loads of hotel soap, shampoo, and lotion. I often put food in the bag too. Things like crackers, the tea bags, (again from the hotel) a package of pop tarts or cereal bar, a can of soup, and sometimes if I have them I will put in a McDonald’s gift card or a card from Windy’s or Burger King…I do not give cash. I choose not to support a smoking habit or possibly drugs. I figure if they are hungry they can get a breakfast or lunch at McDonalds…That is what I try to do. Sometimes I will put in a baggy of dog food. The homeless here seem to have pets. I am a huge pet person.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:11 am
That is such a lovely idea. I had a student once who was very proud of his grandfather because he always took an extra sandwich in his lunch to share with someone in need. Your children will not forget this example of kindness.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:22 am
That’s a wonderful idea. I’ve thought about doing something like that before, but I’ve never actually gone through with it.
April 16th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I love this idea because it’s so simple and ANYONE can do it. Thanks for sharing!
April 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
What a great ministry you are doing.
Is that you and your husband in the picture above?
My girl scouts have worked with the homeless and low income.
http://familyofoxes.blogspot.com/2007/12/bronze-award.html
http://familyofoxes.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-about-bronze.html
http://familyofoxes.blogspot.com/2007/12/box-of-blessings.html
~Amy