Service in the Community

Today I would like to talk about service to the community.

There are lessons we can learn about ourselves as we serve in the community, beyond what you learn in school or in your career.

I would always look at community events, like clean the river or rebuild the parks and think those are great things to do but how could I help, never feeling I could fit in to that.

I was involved with the local support group, the community garden, my running, I did my weekly baking for the support group and starting in September helping the food pantry with pick up and drop off of extra materials from the Ashley Farms, three days a week.

With the Coronavirus I decided to offer to buy groceries for elderly people that could not get out.

Well that started a small adventure, the first person was the 92-year-old person that was afraid of contact and banned me from the lobby of the building.   I got a call from a second woman who I knew was on oxygen but I found to be friendly.  I shopped for her yesterday, Friday, April 3, 2020… she had a pretty big list, I met her, she gave me the list, some cash and her Snap Card (a debit card that is pre-loaded with an allotment from a government program).

I did her shopping but did not know what “a box of orecchiette” was, so I got on the long line and called her to confirm her PIN and told her I did not know what orecchiette was and the service desk person said they did not have it.  She said “oh.. any pasta would do, I am sorry I was not specific but have enough pasta for now.”  I waited a long time and finally got to the assigned lane – loaded the groceries on the belt and then went to pay – I knew there was $65 on the card so the cashier loaded that in.  I tried the PIN and got “unauthorized.” I tried three times but same message… so I took the left-over cash and chipped in $40.00 – the bill was $72.00.

When I delivered the groceries, I told Nancy what happened with the card, she said that happens sometimes and the manager comes over and overrides something and it goes through.

Turns out sponges were in the order and they are not allowed under Snap.. so, the override is to take the sponges out and pay separately.. Now I know for next time.

Later in the morning I called the Dial A Ride driver to ask for an idea for Dolores whose birthday is April 12, she said that usually on the bus she brings a flower and balloon and the people enjoy that….  She also told me that the two people gave me rave reviews.. Nancy said the vegetables were beautiful and the pork chops and meat were excellent.

That felt like such an affirmation…. Later in the day I got calls from two other women, one was a friend of Nancy who calls Nancy every day to see if she is OK. Nancy said one of the women was very particular and her daughter said don’t use them because you will get mad if they do not get it right… I wonder if Betty, the third woman was the particular one (she told me she put alternates for items if they did not have that one)… the fun continues.

Later in the day Nancy called me, she was so upset about the $40.00 and wanted to make sure I bought something on her card next time. I told her not to worry it will work out.

Funny – all the women offered to pay me, offer me a tip, I refused and said the joy it gives me is enough payment…. The Dial a Ride driver said they want to make sure you have enough and what you need.. how sweet is that?

The adventure continues!!!

Now some of this is hard, trudging through the store not really knowing the person and trying to get everything right can be difficult…not insurmountable but a bit of a challenge.  I always enjoy a little challenge..  but the reward in helping others and see how they value what you have done for them through the genuine appreciation is just wonderful.

I hope you can experience the joy of helping others at this difficult time.

Have a wonderful day!!!