BBP IN ACTION: If I Had to Choose . . .

Buddy Bag Partners have been visiting the City Union Mission Family Center for over two years offering events like the Betty Bag Giveaway for women and Cozy & Cuddle for kids. Last year, upon request, we added a monthly event on Sundays, in addition to serving lunch at the Family Center quarterly.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell (onto hard times and needed help)?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-27 NIV

Events are always chocked full of blessings, each in its own fashion. Betty Bag Giveaways are like girlfriends on the hunt during Black Friday sales, combined with Christmas morning excitement. It amazes me each year that gently-used purses and fashion jewelry, hygiene and beauty items can bring such joy to guests at the Family Center. It’s a very humbling experience to think of things at home that I routinely take for granted.

Buddy Bag Project currently doesn’t have the network or storage space to gather gently-used coats. Instead, Cozy & Cuddle at the Family Center each fall is an opportunity to provide kids hats, gloves, throws, and hand-crocheted scarfs for them to choose and stuff their backpacks with. It’s an exercise in gentleness, patience, and empowerment when our young guests are overwhelmed by getting to make their own choice of items, looking to mom/dad for a smile or nod. An added bonus, is having a few age-appropriate fun items to also choose from.

Sometimes it has seems like a struggle to recruit volunteers to serve lunch (usually on a Saturday) at the Family Center. And honestly, who looks good in a hair net? But in all the times we’ve served (about once a quarter), everyone on our team has been so glad they came, and looking forward to the next serving opportunity. Food provides an open door to fellowship. Smiles and conversations with guests are the icing on the cake!

Monthly deliveries of Sunday Bags and fellowship with guests have become an important part of our routine. Buddy Bag Project was asked to provide day bags for guests with water, snack, and wipes. The Family Center closes each Sunday between 9 and 3 for deep cleaning. Guests have a hot breakfast and sack lunch to go, along with lists of welcoming churches (several provide shuttles), and free activities in the area. Our regular presence is fostering relationships with guests and staff.

If I had to choose which event I am blessed by the most, it would be really hard. Among the hundreds of City Union Mission guests we have interacted with, there has never been one who wasn’t sincerely appreciative. It’s in that moment, that whisper, or look, when we really see each other, that “the poor” becomes a person, a child of God, just like we are. That’s why we go, not for accolades or appreciation. We go to remind guests, and ourselves, that we are all children of our loving Heavenly Father.