Southwest Diaries – Day 2
A group of dedicated DPCers headed out west again this year to help at the Food Pantry in Gallup, New Mexico. What follows are some first-hand accounts of their journey as it unfolds. Let’s follow along and send prayers together as they help those in need!
The following correspondence comes from Jim Kmetzo:
When our 2 minivans arrived at the pantry this morning, there were several clients waiting to be checked in to pick up their allotted food items. The warehouse looked clean and tidy ready for another busy day. Fresh produce was abundant today: apples, peaches and potatoes.
Arriving clients would quickly alert their family and friends that these very desirable items are being given out today!
Several dozen grateful clients received an individual shopping cart filled overflowing with fresh and frozen items today. These include milk, meats, poultry, grains, fruits, veggies and canned items.
I worked with a longstanding community volunteer today named John. He volunteers every Tuesday morning servicing the clients shopping carts. Despite walking with a cane he lifts the heavy food crates by himself. He is retired and for fun he hikes and mountain bikes in and around the mesas of Gallup. He feels a connection with the Pantry clients on many levels.
Most of us clicked over 8500 steps on our pedometers!
I drove with Vernon (warehouse foreman) to an offsite bakery warehouse to secure 4 pallets of bakery items – even Tastykakes!! Wow, an iconic Philadelphia treat from a New Mexico warehouse? Really? Another reminder of our Philly roots.
These items will be given out at subsequent distributions.
The entire group of volunteers and Pantry staff celebrated a staff member’s birthday today for a mid afternoon cake and ice cream break.
Solid chocolate sheet cake with blue and white icing. The blue colored frosting is a special tradition started by the Pantry’s original founder.
Another example of DPC members enjoying food and fellowship.
Doing God’s work is satisfying.
