One of our visitors, Angela, was recently injured in an automobile accident. She walks nimbly with a cane, carefully pulling a giant suitcase with all her belongings.
The very first thing one notices about Angela is her smile. It is her identity. She smiles from ear to ear. Angela is seemingly unaware that the accident caused a head injury from which she may never fully recover. But she is unstoppable. Angela is a hugger.
This vibrant guest at the Trinity Church SOME January outreach in Washington, DC made sure to thank us profusely time and time again. She loved our generous meal of fish and rice casserole and all the trimmings. She loved that we came from Upperville, VA. She loved the staff at SOME. Angela felt at home and said she found hope inside the warm dining room. She made a point of telling us that she was also “giving back” to SOME in thanks for all the organization has done for her getting her back on the right path. Angela was a beautiful human to witness.
Many of our diners have daily and long-term challenges. Among those we have served annually are veterans with PTSD, amputees, stroke victims, and others with disability and in pain. SOME thankfully provides a wide range of services for all. Group housing, counseling, and other rehabilitative programs are readily available. Everyone is treated with dignity, respect and civility.
It was a day of service for our volunteers in recognition of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are thankful for the efforts of our team of professionals: Jim Gemmer; Bob Appenzeller; Len Shapiro; Ann MacLeod; Gina Hammond; Carol Miller; Maggie New and Robin Keys. This group of long-time SOME supporters fed just under 300 people.
Our fast working and prompt kitchen crew included: Stephanie Knapp, Ellen Hall, Ann MacLeod, David Augenblick, Holly Bimba, Richard Taylor and Robin Keys. Eight delicious rice casseroles were produced. Ellen Hall deserves a special thank you for sending along another giant box of take-out snacks. We were told by SOME administration that this offering is greatly appreciated and receives much positive feedback.
These parishioners answered the call resonated by Dr. King, “What are you doing for others?” It is a question Angela asked herself too.
We return to the Cox Hall kitchen for rice casserole preparation on Thursday, March 19 and travel to DC the next day, March 20, 2020. Please consider joining us. It is an opportunity to look into the eyes of special people like Angela and feel God’s grace.