The 9 year old girl who gave a dollar

Last night after church, a 9 year old girl named Alecia approached me at church wanting to contribute $1 to Food Rescue.   She had read an article in the newspaper and wanted to help. 

In a thank you note I wrote to her, I mentioned the story of Jesus calling a child into His arms in the book of Matthew, and then explaining to his adult disciples that they needed to become like children to really understand Him.  

Unlike children, we adults look at mountains/problems that seem unsolveable in our lives, and we think about what we “cannot do” rather than what we can do.  Alecia knew she could give a dollar and she felt God wanted her to do it, so she did.  It was just that simple.  No worries about the significance or insignificance,  just obediennce.

I promised her that I would share the story of the 9 year old girl who gave a dollar to help people in need, and that many adults would be blessed by it and learn from it.  Thank you Jesus for pointing us toward children to see your heart.

Merry Christmas Food Rescue Family

Hello Everyone,

Merry Christmas.  The gift of your time, talents, and treasures has been a blessing to so many this year.

I’m usually pretty quick to put out information when our cause has received some attention, but I feel a little funny about this one.  When I was being interviewed for this article, I was not told that I had been selected for any type of recognition.  I thought the line of questioning was a bit more personal than normal, but I didn’t think too much about it.  Since in reality Food Rescue represents everyone who has made sacrifices, I just want to go on record that I accept this recognition with great humility, and on behalf of my Food Rescue family.  My true desire is that any attention anybody receives on behalf of Food Rescue will result in more awareness of everything related to hunger, food waste, service, and those in need in our communities.

http://foodrescue.net/uploads/files/hc_citizen_of_year.pdf

John Williamson

Cathy Wycliff Chicago CP Interview

Columbia College-Chicago Journalism Student Interview

Could you give a brief explanation of what your program offers (in your own words)?

 

Food Rescue offers a volunteer network where needy organizations are matched with bakeries and cafes who would otherwise dispose of their fresh baked goods daily. It’s a system that really works! Homeless shelters, churches, and food pantries receive high quality food; bakeries and restaurants which are involved no longer have to destroy good food; and the program does not cost anyone a single dollar.

What makes your program different than others?

 

Food Rescue is staffed solely with volunteers. There is only one paid administrative staff, Volunteers are asked to give just one hour of their time, one day per month. Certainly, they can do more, but we have been successful by asking the minimum. Many of us have stepped up to become more involved as “Chapter Presidents,” which simply means we take a more active role in making sure food is rescued on a timely basis.

What specifically can volunteers do during the holiday season at Food Rescue?

 

Volunteers can sign up over the holidays to do as little as one food pickup and delivery. We supply directions and procedures for making the food rescue happen. It’s really that easy! Anyone who wants to do more than that, say two or three pickups, they will be welcome—but there is no pressure!

Why is your program important for people to know about and utilize

 

I would like people to know that firstly, there is an organization which began a year ago when a man named John Williamson from Indianapolis decided something more had to be done to feed the hungry.

Secondly, that it is very easy to contact us by going to our website, www.FoodRescue.net, and either filling out a contact form or emailing one of the many “chapter presidents” in your area. Finally, there are terrific bakeries, cafes and restaurants who want their food to be rescued. Panera, as an example, has a “Doughnation” program which makes the teaming up of volunteers and needy organizations possible.

Do you feel that people often misconstrue the meaning of the holidays?

 

Oh, definitely. Holidays are viewed by most people as an occasion to drink and eat in abundant quantity, to party hearty. Many people spend extravagantly on gifts and party fashions. The emphasis of the holiday spirit is misplaced, distorted. But then there are so many Americans who are generous and will not hesitate to give to others.

What are you thoughts on the volunteer program this year in relation to the state of the economy? In other words, are people more apt or less apt to volunteer? Why or why not?

 

Oddly enough, I think that people are more apt to volunteer when economic times are tough, because they are made more aware of those who are needy. I think there are others who will relate more to the less fortunate due to their own families being affected, whether from job loss or from the higher costs of food and gas. But then there are so many Americans who are generous and will not hesitate to give to others, no matter the season.

 

 

Are you finding an increase or decrease in volunteer services? Why?

 

Our organization has grown by leaps and bounds this past year, and although most of that growth is due to the hard work of our volunteers across the country, I do believe that there’s a new “movement” if you will, to give to others in the most basic ways, such as donations of food and clothing.

What will you personally give this holiday season? Does the state of the economy affect  it? 

 

I personally will give the usual modest gifts to my family members and a few friends. Years ago we set a monetary limit when we realized that not all of us could afford expensive gifts. The economy really doesn’t affect it because our level of gift-giving is not extravagant to begin with. We rather enjoy the family gatherings, worship and getting together with friends.

What can people learn through this organization?

 

People can learn that it is easy to give with your heart instead of your wallet. And that the feeling which comes from the experience of feeding the needy is priceless.

Do you have any stats the public should be aware of? 

 

Over 2.8 million dollars in estimated retail value of annual pickups and deliveries scheduled, and over 500,000 pounds of food that was previously being thrown away has been rescued since the birth of Food Rescue in November of 2007.

 

Food Rescue has been assigned over 791 “food rescues” per month around the country.

 

35 Chapter Presidents

 

16 States

 

Over 1200 volunteersn

 

 

Our Motto:

“SERVE ONCE A MONTH FOR 90 MINUTES TO FEED THE HUNGRY”

 

 

On Average each month:

• Food Rescue adds another $230,000 of retail food rescued each month.

• Food Rescue adds 100 volunteers each month.

• Food Rescue adds 3 new chapter presidents each month.

• Food Rescue adds 66 new “food rescues” each month

What extra information should people know that you’d like to share?

 

You don’t need to rent a tux or buy a formal gown for this charity event during the holidays!