BK set a record this year...The Campus Ministry Team set a goal of 30,000 items to be donated to the food drive. Students brought in over 42,000 to help feed the hungry of Idaho. Way to go Knights! And, my enterprising son, a freshman at BK, brought in 200lbs of potatoes, potatoes he was selling for his Boy Scout troop. He figured out a way to make his minimum sales requirement for the troop and help the needy by asking out of state friends and family for donations that would go towards the purchase of the potato cases. Smart thinking!
The generosity doesn't end there...I am impressed with the creative way the Idaho Food Bank uses to coax donations and elicit a sense of solidarity through their "Empty Bowls" campaign (http://www.idahofoodbank.org/?page=empty-bowls). This year, the IFB embarked on their umpteenth year of this Holiday Tradition which is held the day after Thanksgiving. "What is it?" you might ask. Well, throughout the year, the food bank solicits donations of hand crafted, hand painted bowls. These bowls are then sold with soup (muy delicioso and donated by local restaurants) to those who have stood in line, often with wait times of 30+ minutes long, for a minimum donation of $10 a piece. Not only is the steamy hot soup and bread delectable, it, the empty bowl chosen, and the wait in line brings home the point that people go without food every day. Men, women, children...hungry in this city and across the nation who would be ever so grateful for just a meager bowl of soup. From among the many colorfully embellished bowls, I chose this one; simple, free from unfettered adornment...
This unadulterated vessel gives me pause to think of all the blessings I have...shelter with heat, a winter coat, meals and a family to partake in them with. We will use this bowl not wholly to reflect on those who go without but also as a vehicle to share with the less fortunate...in this bowl we, as a family, will put money and notes of hope and will donate all we collect to organizations whose motis operandi comes from corporal works of mercy.
Last for this blog post, but certainly not the least of the efforts that happen in the Treasure Valley to assist the needy, is this fine entry...The St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center's Festival of Trees (http://www.saintalphonsus.org/Foundation-FOT-main.aspx). Did you know that this charitable event, which raises money to improve healthcare in the area (and this year specifically to assist in the monetary needs of the St. Alphonsus Mobile Mammogram Program), is the third largest festival in the nation, in terms of money raised and numbers of volunteers, among all cities that have festivals of this type? Yes, you read that right...THIRD in the nation! That to me is remarkable and amazing, considering that Boise, as a city, ranks in size in the lowest percentage of metropolitan areas that host tree festivals. Citizens here generously give of their time, talent and treasure, even in the midst of localized economic woe and upheaval. And, aside from the inspiring charitable giving, the festive display of Christmas trees, wreaths and table decor is dramatic and extraordinary. I have not seen anything like it!
 |
| This tree, sponsored by St. Mark's Catholic School (where Damien attends) and themed "Christmas Peace," is just one of many trees decorated by schools in the Boise area. Tree sponsors ran the gamut from local businesses, to hospital wards, to women's groups, to elementary schools and universities, to other charitable organizations. In this particular tree, Damien's fifth grade class was instrumental in creating many of the peace dove ornaments. Oh, and by the way, St. Mark's earned first place in the Non-Traditional School/Youth Level I decorating contest. Congratulations, Little Lions! |
Why do I love Boise? Hearts, pocketbooks and creativity are open wide in this town!
No comments:
Post a Comment