Find Your Good and Do It

Find your good and do it.

Those encouraging words are from singer and humanitarian Jon Bon Jovi.

They are inspiring words, words that I hope more people will heed.

I saw a story on the national news recently about an innovative program in Nashville, TN, established by country singer Brad Paisley and his wife to help feed the city's hungry residents.

They have set up a non-profit called The Store (thestore.org) that allows anyone in need to shop for whatever groceries they need, no questions asked and no payment is needed. A simple form is all that is required. 

This program not only feeds people, but it also preserves their dignity by allowing them to shop in a small market, just as we shop for the groceries we want to purchase. And it avoids waste caused by giving people food they don't want, don't like, or won't eat. When The Store was forced to close during the height of the pandemic, groceries were delivered to the elderly by volunteers. I can't stand country music, but I love what Paisley and his wife Kimberly have done to help their city. 

Jon Bon Jovi is another musician who has stepped up to serve the residents of New Jersey. He and his wife currently own and operate non-profit community restaurants through their JBJ Soul Kitchen foundation. The restaurants serve both paying and in-need guests. The menu has no prices; guests can either make a donation (suggested minimum is $20) for their meals, or volunteer in the restaurant.

Celebrity Spanish chef Jose Andres and his World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org) provide chef-prepared meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. WCK is in Ukraine, distributing 300,000 hot meals each day to those impacted by war.

During the winter holidays, attention invariably turns to acts of kindness and generosity. Barrels and boxes for the collection of food donations appear in local grocery stores. Appeals for funds to feed the homeless start arriving in the mail. But hunger is a year-round thing. People need food every day of the year, not just during the holidays. 

I think it's great that Americans step up their donations to food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens at that time of year. And now, as the country struggles to move beyond the pandemic, But especially in this third year of pandemic, the need is greater than ever despite steps toward returning to normal.

Feeding the less fortunate is a cause I have supported for decades. I buy non-perishable food items such as soup, vegetables, peanut butter, cereal and pasta throughout the year. When items are on sale, I buy extras. When a food collection drive is announced, I have items ready to donate. 

May 14 will mark the return of the letter carriers' food collection drive in the U.S after being placed on hold for a couple of years due the pandemic. It's easy to donate: Simply place a bag of non-perishable food by your mail box, and your letter carrier will pick it up when your mail is delivered.

Most of us aren't chefs or celebrities, but there is always something we can do to help. We don't have to be wealthy to make a difference. If feeding the hungry isn't your thing, find what it. Perhaps it's helping children or animals or working to protect the wilderness. Maybe you can knit or crochet blankets for newborns in the hospital. Maybe you can foster a dog or cat until it's ready to be adopted. Maybe you have a special skill you can offer in service to others. I saw a story recently about a man who travels the country providing free haircuts to homeless and low-income people. 

As Bon Jovi said, "Find your good and  do it."