Here's a three-for-one for #6. Today I was heading towards Union Square for a picture of the big municipal tree, when about two blocks away from the City's heart, I saw an immense line. Turns out it was the annual Christmas food distribution put on by Glide Memorial Church. Some 300 volunteers packed 5000 bright red bags with food for distribution. (Usually, it's 6000; this year it's less) The line stretched around several blocks; I captured several "Drive-by" pictures with two cameras, fortunately in slow traffic.
Yes, there is more than one side to this bright, happy holiday of ours.
After reading the thoughtful comment on this image by AircooledGuy, I decided to post the link for donations to Glide Memorial Church. In our community they do splendid work in caring for the unfortunate among us.
Also, just a thought, and if the spirit moves anyone who sees this collage, think about a donation to such an organization in your community.
Times are so hard this year. And it's everywhere. So many going hungry on a regular basis. It's heartbreaking. We try to do our part, we've taken in an acquaintance for the holidays (someone my husband used to work with) who's lost his job & apartment and has no family. I don't know how long we can keep him because our own resourses are stretched to the limit, but for now he has a warm roof over his head, food to eat and people to talk to.
My wife is much better than I in looking after the disadvantaged. She made 70 shoebox-size cloth bags, stuffed it full of treats, and delivered it to the old-age home.
That is an awesome triptych, Alice. They do have organizations doing similar in Ballarat but I have never seen it so graphically portrayed, and of course in comparison to yours, my city is tiny (a little shy of 100,000 people). Regardless of numbers, the effect is on individuals, and it is interesting to see your images on the two levels.
This is not an easy subject for me to look at . . . it brings up so many conflicting emotions - emotions I have worked so hard at to suppress . . . there is anger, pity, joy, shame, pride, loathing, fear and more, I'm sure.
I rejoice in the fact that there are 300 volunteers who will bring food to the needy and take tremendous pride that the tribe I associate with does this. I pity those who are truly needy, standing in this line so they can continue living for another day. There is shame for the time I will not make to be one of the 300 and the self loathing that creates the anger I conjure in judgement to justify not making the time. Then there is fear that the those I associate with will call me on that and reject me for it. So . . .
There is power in your picture and the truth that it is. I needed that - thank you.
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