If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the holidays. Since I was a kid, I loved those special times when the world paused, and everyone gathered with friends and loved ones to celebrate and give thanks for the love and support of their family and community that had seen them through another year. The celebrations were always topped off with huge meals where we would feast on the turkey, ham, cakes, and pies, and everyone basked in the glow of the moment. And at the end of the day, as we each went our separate ways, there was a sense that these people, our family, would always be there to watch over us.
Sadly, these days, not everyone gets to have that type of holiday. Today, prices are higher, and jobs are more scarce. Day-to-day expenses are on the rise, and medical bills can sometimes be just as crippling as the illnesses they fought. And our political leaders, regardless of party, seem more interested in battling with their opponents than taking care of the people they are supposed to be working for. Because of this, many families right here in our community, rather than looking forward to planning holiday feasts with their families and loved ones, are trying to figure out if they will even be able to provide food for their children.
Here in Warren County, and across the nation, approximately one out of every seven people doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. These are not strangers or drifters looking to snag a free meal. These are our friends and neighbors – people we go to church with, people we work with, our children’s schoolmates. Hunger has been a growing problem in our country for some time. Rather than helping, our politicians recently cut the funding to provide food for the hungry, right before a holiday that is supposed to represent how we love and care for one another. They are showing us all the Scrooges they have become.
It’s easy to let yourself be caught up in things and feel that the problems of the world are too big for you to make a difference, but that’s not true. When we work together, every contribution, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Back in 2013, St. James United Methodist hosted Bowling Green’s first Empty Bowls event. Its purpose was simple: to get people in our community working together to help feed our neighbors who were facing an empty bowl at mealtime. Over the years, with your help, we have raised over $100,000 and provided meals to families who needed a little help to get through tough times. Thousands did not have to go to bed hungry because of the great work you’ve done.
Today I’m asking you to join us again in our quest to make the world around us a better place. And it isn’t even that hard. On March 19th, Empty Bowls will host a dinner and display the hundreds of beautiful, handmade ceramic bowls that were donated. Everyone who attends, in addition to seeing all the beautiful bowls, will receive a nice meal, with soups from area restaurants. At the end of the night, each guest gets to take their favorite bowl home with them. Every donation made by the guests will provide food to a family in need.
There are many ways you can help. One way is to make and donate a bowl (or more if you prefer) to Empty Bowls. Both the Pots Place and the Bob Kirby Branch of the library provide a place where you can take pottery classes and make some bowls. Alternatively, you could go to the Paint ‘N’ Place and paint a bowl to donate. Instead of meeting a friend for lunch, you could get together to make bowls to help those in need. Perhaps you would like to volunteer at the event. Or maybe choose to help just by spreading the word about Empty Bowls. You can even help by simply attending the big event on March 19th, enjoying a nice meal, and receiving a beautiful ceramic bowl.
The holidays are a wonderful time about family, community, and love. Please join in the spirit of the holidays and help make this season a joyful one, not only for yourself, but for our friends and neighbors who are in need of a little extra help. Don’t be a Scrooge like our politicians. Instead, be inspired by the man whose birth over 2000 years ago is the reason for the holidays. Help us at Empty Bowls in our quest to end hunger, one bowl at a time. And consider donating canned goods at a local food pantry, or perhaps volunteering there yourself. You can make a difference in the lives of families in our community and make this season one you will always remember. Make this season a holiday of hope.
If you would like more information or are interested in participating in Empty Bowls, please visit the contact page at www.emptybowlsbg.com, or send an email to garry.taylor@emptybowlsbg.com.
-submitted by Garry Taylor, Empty Bowls Bowling Green
