Second Harvest brings hope to many
Last Updated on Friday, 20 November 2009 03:29 Written by Alison Norris Friday, 20 November 2009 03:29
Images of starving children flash across the screen with swollen bellies from malnutrition, dressed in rags and no shoes, surrounded by garbage and rubble. The living room becomes quiet as a deep voiced announcer begins urging you to pledge money a month to help a child in a third world country. Guilt and compassion sink in and you reach for your phone to call the number at the bottom of the screen.
Children all across the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition every day, but what you didn’t know as you dialed the number to help a child across the ocean was that right across the street, there was a child hungry and in need of help.
Every child deserves to be fed and taken care of, but there is a great need in the United States as well as third world countries for compassion and generosity.
Second Harvest of greater St. Joseph serves Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas in the fight against hunger and provides hope for families that had no hope.
Second Harvest collected the most food in St. Joseph with 3.8 million pounds of food. Second Harvest is Located on 915 Douglas St. and strives to help the community and families all over St. Joseph.
Development Director Rachel Graves said helping others is very rewarding.
“We are seeing more and more families in need of assistance because of the increase in job loss,” Graves said. “Many families that come in have been in need for a long time. Many parents will even skip food for a week or a month so their children can eat.”
A little goes a long way. Volunteer for a day, participate in a food drive, donate money, educate yourself or help others in your neighborhood that are in need.
Melissa Leander, who works at Second Harvest, said it’s a great way to get volunteer hours for a resume and give back to the community.
“Volunteering shows you are a more well rounded person,” Leander said. You’re not all about just looking for the dollar,” said.
Second Harvest is not only providing food to fill a child’s belly but a better chance to reach his or her full potential. A well-balanced meal helps concentration, prevents illness and makes a child more likely to graduate from high school.
Missouri Western social work major Jan Farris said she enjoys giving her time to help others.
“I’m here twice a week and everyone is friendly,” Farris said. “Here there is always something to do.”
Giving a little time and dedication can go a long way. As Mother Teresa once said, “we can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
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