“I felt it was important to provide holiday meals for those individuals who didn’t have anyone to share the season with,” said Nicole, who spearheaded the effort by a group of women in Amethyst, an Alvis Recovery program, to make and distribute nearly 50 meals to the homeless on Monday, December 23. Turkey and ham, along with plentiful side dishes, were cooked individually by the women who then convened to assemble the carryout boxes and distribute them.
Kendal, reflecting on her own personal experience, said that this time of year can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones. “I appreciated the many warm smiles of gratitude. It was indeed a prized gift that brought about true happiness for me,” she said.
“Why did I participate?” Elizabeth explained. “Because I was one of them,” she said referring to the homeless trying to stay warm in camps of tents nestled next to trees and train tracks. “I can remember how excited I was to get a meal from a stranger when I was in my dark times, homeless on the streets in my addiction. I was so thankful. I was either starving or hadn’t eaten all day. It brought me so much joy to help someone in need and to just give back. It was an act of pure love.”
Being in the Amethyst program encouraged Mekiah to join the group. “This year was my first time doing anything to actually give back to those who were in need. It really warmed my heart to know that through my recovery I was able to help someone that was just as deserving as anyone else! Being in this program has allowed me to build the self-confidence and self-esteem necessary to step forward and be empowered to help with this project. I am absolutely grateful, and my heart is overwhelmingly full.”
Jen remarked, “It makes me feel grateful every day at Amethyst. I am so fortunate that my basic needs have been met. So, if you feel stuck, blah or selfish, volunteer and feed the homeless. This was the true meaning of Christmas.”
Even though everyone was freezing and beginning to feel the chill of a drizzling rain, they remained on the streets until nearly every box was given out. And Nicole, who admitted this was a big undertaking, said she learned a lot about planning and organizing this project. Before jumping into their cars and heading home in the darkness, Nicole and several of the women were already talking about making sandwiches and doing this again on their own during the winter months.
The Amethyst women certainly learned the joy of giving that evening!