Homeless, Hungry the stuff of legend

For the past few weeks, the community has been drawn together in an effort to provide basic necessities for those who, for a variety of reasons, are in need of food and personal supplies. Fraser Ltd.’s Stepping Stones Resource Center and transitional living program were fortunately chosen to be recipients of the many supplies and volunteer opportunities provided through the efforts of our areas’ Homeless and Hungry project.

An event that began five years ago appears to be creating quite a stir. It is thriving in our community during a time when philanthropic giving is at a national low. It reminds me of the “Stone Soup Legend.” The story begins long ago in hard times, when a few villagers gathered together over an empty pot of boiling water with only a stone as its single ingredient. One by one the villagers discover each other gathered around the empty pot. Soon they realize how a small contribution by many can make a big difference. They begin adding to it; one brings potatoes, another a few carrots, a bit of cabbage and soon a meal that will feed many is formed by the coming together of the village. Everyone benefited, everyone thrived during a difficult time because people understood the value of “making stone soup.”

We applaud Homeless and Hungry for their leadership. Recognizing a need in our community and then actually doing something about it is, at this level, remarkable. Did I mention this group consists primarily of young people?

Thank you also to the hundreds of volunteers and businesses who stepped up and contributed the ingredients necessary for area shelters to support families and individuals in our community. We seem to have the ingredients legends are made of.

Leyland is executive director of Fraser Ltd.

Tags: opinion, letters