We stumbled across these donation boxes for local food pantries while running errands. My girls took in the sign and said, “We should put some cookies in here.” Back to the car we went to grab their last case of cookies. The girls divvied them up between food banks, putting the most in the box for the pantry that focuses on feeding children.
These cookies—they have been an adventure. Our original plan was to allow the local housing authority to distribute them. Instead (and thanks to @arthur.grafo), we have been trekking these cookies around town, handing them out of the car to people holding signs at intersections. One woman’s sign read: “I’m just trying to survive.”
“Mom!” My 9 year old snapped. “Quick!” I handed her two boxes that she passed out the window.
Another man’s sign said “Anything helps.” He blessed the girls multiple times after they each handed him a box.
A case went to a pantry in a neighboring town. Two cases went to the pantry that serves the largest population in Bloomington. One case was split among the homeless we could see. Another split among the boxes pictured above, in our bank entrance.
Here’s what sticks the most with me: To my girls, this was an obvious act. We can help. Steemit provides additional funding. Together we have Girl Scout cookies to people in need. But to the bank staff and the people waiting in line for their turn? Well, they took pictures of the girls being “good citizens.” The pantry volunteers repeatedly thanked them. The folks who were handed cookies seemed shocked.
Why is basic, community kindness so surprising?
All the cookies as present by my 5yo.
Thank you again to those of you who donated directly:
1.000 SBD from @happycrazycon
0.100 SBD from @traciyork via @tipu
0.052 from @jaymesbawned, a Steemit newbie who gave everything he's earned so far.
1.000 SBD from @appiepearl
0.100 SBD from @sultnpapper via @tipu
5.000 STEEM from @sultnpapper
0.500 SBD from @bubbleboy
15.00 SBD from @rachelhanson10
$20.00 USD from a local patron
$2.00 USD from another local patron
2.00 SBD from @arthur.grafo
And thank you to everyone who upvoted and resteemed the original fundraiser post! You are deeply appreciated.