When I was a little girl, my parents taught me to contribute to our church and our community, and I have followed this teaching my whole life. Our family always had sufficient income for our basic needs. We did not have a lot, but we had enough, and we always had a little something extra to save, and to share.
Long ago, as a young woman working in San Francisco I heard about Project Open Hand. I was so impressed with the organization’s mission that I started sending donations. I never thought of a return from POH. Years went by. I became an old woman. I retired on Social Security. I got breast cancer.
My medical team connected me with Shanti, a nonprofit organization helping low-income people with AIDS and breast cancer. Shanti connected me to POH. And now, POH is helping me with wholesome nutrition.
The volunteers are just so nice, and friendly, and they always take a few seconds to visit with each shopper. They show respect by addressing people by name, and it is that personal connection that makes Project Open Hand so special.
Every week I shop for free groceries at the Project Open Hand Grocery Center. When I walk in, Mary Beth and Joe greet me with a friendly smile, and give me my shopping checklist. After marking the items I need, a volunteer gathers my selections for me. The volunteers are just so nice, and friendly, and they always take a few seconds to visit with each shopper. They show respect by addressing people by name, and it is that personal connection that makes POH so special.
Project Open Hand makes a huge difference in my life. What goes around comes around. What we give is returned to us. Thank you Project Open Hand.