Archived Stories

A First-time Visitor finds Compassion

This email we received from a new client helps demonstrates the power of a community coming together, not just at the holidays, but all year long:

"So, this afternoon, I went to the Valley Food Bank. It was the first time I actually stayed and went through the entire process. I had come before but was too embarrassed to go in and was unfamiliar with what may be asked of me. Never in my life could I have imagined the love that I was shown by each one helping me shop for items. Never in my life did I expect to receive so much food when I truly had none, as the blessing you provided me went to pay a utility bill rather than buy food.

"Each person I encountered at the food bank who was a volunteer and who, upon me informing them that I was new to the process and didn't know how it worked, welcomed me and made me feel special. The volunteers not only made me feel special, but they made me feel less alone.

A few of the volunteers touched my shoulder. The young teenage volunteers greeted me with smiles. One young lady must have known I like to bake and gave me the last, most beautiful bag of everything a baker needs to make cookies or a great cake. The two young gentlemen who helped me to my car almost brought me to tears, as they carefully put each bag away for me -- I couldn't thank them enough.

"As I went to each section, not knowing what to expect, each volunteer and each person made me feel less afraid, less ashamed, and just filled with gratefulness to be there.

"Then as I was leaving, two of the women spoke a blessing over me by telling me that my new year would be far better. I told them I had been laid off and hadn't expected to use the food bank but was so incredibly grateful that they were all there.

I cried all the way home, thanking God at each stop light. As I write this believing that next year will be a better year for me, I am already thinking of ways to give back; to give to each one of the volunteers I met today and especially the two young men who helped me to my car, and the ways in which I might be able to help the food bank.

"Thank you for being a blessing in my life. Thank you to the volunteers whose care of me and dignified treatment made my first food pantry experience a less frightening, troubling one. Thank you to those volunteers who smiled at me or touched my shoulder or just wished me a Merry Christmas."

Carlos is a sweet man who came to our food pantry line about two months ago. Back then, he was new to the process of receiving assistance. He has just lost his job due to some misunderstanding with his employers. Since then, he has been coming almost every week, sometimes just to get encouragement. At his last visit, he mentioned, "If it were not for the pantry folks, I would feel utterly alone in this world." Carlos is separated from his family and he has no other friends. Others have taken advantage of his kindness, so now he feels he can no longer trust anyone but the pantry staff and volunteers.

Today Carlos was in line again and he told us that he had bought some new shoes at a discount shoe store on sale for $10. He was excited and said he had dressed very nicely for his job interview that went well. He was very hopeful, but in the end, they did not choose him. He looked like he was fighting back tears as he shared this news. He shook his head and put on his smile again saying, "It's okay! I'm not going to get discouraged, I'm going to keep doing what I need to do and go out there again tomorrow. I know there is a job waiting out there for me."

And that is what we love about Carlos; he keeps going no matter what. He is not an addict nor is he disabled, just unemployed in a difficult economy and job market. He goes to several job interviews each week and all he needs is one "break" or should we say "breakthrough" or miracle from God.

Our pantry staff continues to pray that an opportunity will present itself for Carlos and that he will not become discouraged. We are so grateful to you for making it possible for us to help people like Carlos and provide, not only food, but hope for a better tomorrow.

"I came to the Spirit of Hope Church Pantry (part of the Valley Food Bank network) one day because I needed food. I was battling drug addiction and, at that time, I was unemployed. I'm a single mother of a young boy who was sick. The coordinators gave me groceries and hot meals. My son and I had not eaten for days. The kindness of the coordinators and volunteers touched my heart. They prayed for us and supported us in many ways. They demonstrated unconditional love to us. When they prayed for me, from that moment my soul felt like it had finished searching. They fed my hungry body, soul, and mind. Thank God for the Valley Food Bank … because of coming to the pantry for food, I am not on drugs anymore, I have found a job, and my son is healed." ~ Ann

One of the most reliable tests of knowing whether an egg is fresh or stale is, to drop it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it floats, then it is an old egg. Old eggs have more gases in them, which aid in buoyancy. As the egg begins to stale, air enters through its shell and gets trapped inside. The older the egg, the more the gas. Thus, an old egg can easily float in water. But, did you know, that you can make a fresh egg float in water as well. We were given a science lesson by our trusted and faithful volunteer, Gabriel.

Egg has a density higher than water. Therefore, it sinks in water (except when it is stale.) Since, it is not possible to lower the density of an egg; we must increase the density of the water. Although, the task sounds complex, it's a simple science experiment and the vital ingredient required for this project is easily available in your kitchen…common salt! Fill half a glass with tap water and add a tablespoon of common salt. Stir the water, so that salt dissolves completely. Drop the egg and watch the reaction. The egg jerks a little, spins and then, voila it floats!

Our friend Gabriel has been volunteering at the Valley Food Bank since November 2009. When not at work, Gabriel can be found in the warehouse unloading the trucks and assisting with sorting and preparing food boxes for pantry pick-up. Gabriel is involved in a variety of activities at his church, an all-valley interfaith weekly men's prayer meeting, and a food pantry ministry that distributes food to the needy here in the Valley.

Gab, as we endearingly call him, has two children – a daughter 14 years old and a son 10 years old. So his days are full of activities, but he faithfully serves at the food bank. His testimony is an inspiration to all, having been challenged to carouse about with older cousins and neighborhood guys, but ultimately choose to surrender his life and serve God and others in need.

Gab has a charismatic manner, makes friends easily, and cheerfully helps each of the pantries as they come for food. What does our saltwater and egg experiment have to do with Gabriel? He is the salt to our warehouse operation that lifts others up when they become a bit stale and helps them to float above the demands of the day. Thanks for the lift Gab!

If there were no Food Bank, I don't know what I would do. And if the pantries did not distribute food to families in need, it would be pure misery. I have a family with grandkids and great-grandkids. That's lots of mouths to feed at a time when money is scarce and it's hard to put food on the table. The recession is hitting us hard — and there are families who are a whole lot worse off than we are. That's why I'm so grateful for all the food we receive here.

The reality is, we're all in this together. That's why I try to do what I can to help others. I've always had a tender heart toward others. And when times are tough, my heart gets even softer, I guess. I met a lady the other day without enough clothes for her family. I told her I had lots of clothes. I felt good sharing them with her. Isn't that what being a good neighbor is all about? Treating others like you'd like to be treated?

I was raised poor, but I never felt poor. As kids, we were always taught to share. I'm glad we stretched a dollar like you wouldn't believe. Now, I have to do the same thing. If we didn't receive food from the Valley Food Bank, life would be tough beyond belief.

I know the food doesn't just show up here. Donors give food to the food bank, and give money to buy even more.

I wonder if you really know how great you are as a donor. So, if no one's ever told you, I'm telling you now: you are the best, most caring person to do what you do to reach out to others. Thank you. I wish I could meet you personally just to tell you how much I appreciate your kindness to me during these difficult times.

If we didn't receive food from the food bank, it would be tough beyond belief.