Monday, September 22, 2014

It's a Husker Thing!

Every year in the fall on a football Saturday,
one of our local organizations, the Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach,
looks for volunteers and collects donations for the
working poor and homeless in our city.



Maddy and I volunteered a few years ago, and I had it on 
my list to sign up again this year.
So, we did.  
This year they expanded the locations and collected
at various large box stores, malls and downtown, both
before and after the big football game.



Our assignment was on Friday night at a nearby mall and 
we were doubting how well we might do 
when we first arrived as it was pretty quiet.
However, we soon got into a groove and did fairly well.

A few things we noted.

It's getting to be a debit card world.
Loads of people said they only had debit
cards, no cash or change, so
didn't have anything to donate.
Guess having a little "mad money" has gone the
way of the rotary dial telephone!
My Mother told me to always have
some mad money in my purse or pocket.

Also and this one surprised us.
More young people (jr. high or high school age) and young families
donated than older adults.


Of course, we tried to  make our plea
personal instead of chanting the refrain,
"Huskers for the Homeless."
We looked at shoppers directly and asked, 
"Can you help us feed the homeless in Lincoln?"
Maddy and I think that really helped and made our request more personal.

Side note -- the first time we used that plea, I actually
said, "Can you help us feed the homely in Lincoln?"  
The older guy and I both about fell over laughing,
 and he said yes, here's some $ for the
homely AND the homeless!

We missed the high school homecoming game,
but it was such a great cause and
worthwhile way to spend a Friday evening.
We hope to have more time to devote 
to volunteer work in the future.

7 comments:

Jodee said...

I wish Kamree and I could have joined you this year. I love this volunteer event. And, just for the record, the homely need food too! HA HA!

Laurie said...

Great event! I'd have a hard time saying no to Maddy! But sadly, I am often without cash too! 😞

Musings from Kim K. said...

Good for you both on continuing with this worthy cause. I'm terrible at having any cash on hand. Loving the "homely" statement. Definitely brought a snicker this morning.

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

giving back is so good for the soul. I don't do enough. thank you for the reminder. How sweet you two are.

lea
xo

starnes family said...

What an awesome thing to be part of. Well done. And, it is a debit card world......I almost never have cash!

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

What a great cause to be a part of!

Julie said...

I'm reading along thinking it's a wonderful idea and that I also rarely carry cash, when I get to the "homely" comment and nearly choked on my snack. I did LOL. That is so something I would do!