Some of the corporal works of mercy are easier to perform than others, so that those of who are looking forward to being addressed on The Last Day as ".... you blessed of My Father ...." will be delighted to know how easy it is to fulfil the first one. Just drop a packet, carton or tin into the Basics Bank box by the door of your Church each Sunday, knowing that it will go to someone who is really in need. Here's Joan, who has just unloaded and is about to wheel in this week's contribution from St Mary's Church, Everton. That monster packet of washing powder will certainly be appreciated by the people who live in one of the area's refuges.
Some donations arrive in the form of cash or cheques, so we are able to use that money to order food from a supermarket to make up for any shortfall. We can then ensure that the goods we purchase are those which represent the best value for the donations received. As part of their contribution to the good work being done here, the supermarket we use is waiving their delivery charges.
Now the telephone starts to ring, and it's usually Sandra who answers it. These calls are not from needy people. They are mainly from referral agencies, for only they can decide who needs to be helped. Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Mental Health Units, Children's Centres, Ministers of religion, Probation Officers and headteachers can issue dockets. Often the problem occurs because of an unexpected redundancy or other misfortune, but as a general rule no more help is given once benefits are being paid.
Meanwhile Al and other volunteers from different Christian churches in the area are making up parcels ready for people who have been recommended by an agency or who have a docket. Each parcel contains enough food and toiletries for about five days. The parcels' contents vary according to whether they are for a single person, a couple or a family, for babies or small children, for vegetarians or diabetics, and so on.
Phil, Sean and Peter are taking parcels to be loaded into the cars of our wonderful team of delivery drivers. These are also volunteers who may be asked to go almost anywhere in or around the New Forest.
People are sometimes surprised when they are told that there are needy folk living here. All the volunteers are bound to confidence, but we can assure you that there is some real poverty in this area.
1 comment:
Such a hive of activity and yet no fuss, no showiness. I'm very aware that Lymington is depicted as a "rich" area, at least on paper. Obviously beyond the picturesque scenery there are real people struggling in an increasingly harsh economic climate. The greatest riches to be found in your little town are the abundance of kind hearts and generosity of spirit. You have a beautiful community.
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