And the children shall lead them

And the Children Shall Lead Them

With the difficult economy and the prices of just about everything skyrocketing, FOOD Share finds there are more and more people hungry and needing our help.  At the food bank we have seen declines in food donations and our financial support is also experience a downturn.  We find ourselves worried and concerned about the future and how we will be able to meet these increasing demands on our resources.  Then we have wonderful moments of inspiration from the youth in our community.  I’d like to share with you these stories and ask if they can do all this to help a neighbor in need…what can you do?

Imagine 13 year old Jake Stilman, preparing for his Bat Mitzvah and wanting to do a special project of some meaning for his community.  As luck would have it, he saw an article in the VC Star sharing that the shelves of the local bank were bare.  With this inspiration and the support of his family, he set out to make a plan.  He decided to do a fundraising bake sale to help the hungry.  He set a budget and then was off to the store to purchase the items needed.  With is family he discussed and learned abut the “mark-up world” and decided on what he would charge his customers.  This young man earned $72.06 which he presented to F/S as a gift. Jake had just completed perhaps his first real act of philanthropy.  Jake, truly did become a man that day, a man of compassion and generosity.  We know these are our future compassionate leaders.  Jake, congratulations, we appreciate and applaud you!

Imagine your gift turns into $18.50 per dollar donated, which in turn equals meals for families in need….right here in Ventura County.  These stories inspire me as I look to the future of uncertain times for F/S as we struggle to help as more people.  People just like you, just like Jakes school mates, just like your grandmother struggling to make it with her when money is so tight, hardworking families, who just can’t make ends meet. 

There is hope if there is compassion for your fellow man.  Imagine the power of one multiplied by the power of the whole.  Imagine the difference you can make.

Jake follows the trail the food he donated will go through before it reaches the hands of the hungry. 

Help those in Ventura County who are hungry and don't have enough food or funds to provide for themselves or their families, for more information on how to give, please contact Jeanne Benitez at jbenitez@foodshare.com or call 805-983-7100 x122