Anonymous Gifts

One Sunday on our normal visit to our friends off Front Street, we headed to Quick Trip afterwards to grab a hot drink and use the restroom. As one of the young women in our group came through the front door of Quick Trip, a stranger, whom had obviously seen her exit off our church bus, stopped her and said, "Did the mission just come by or something?"

Onikah, thinking that he perhaps needed some food, replied "No, I'm just with my church and we're feeding some folks - Did you need something to eat, sir?"

The man replied that he did not and Onikah went on her way; however when one of the adult women walked in just a few moments later, the same man approached her and simply handed her a $20 bill and said, "Use it how you see fit to help." The man then just went to his vehicle and drove off.

I'm often reminded of the good in people - that most people genuinely care and desire to help those in need. Often times, people just do not know how or where they can help. This man saw an opportunity to be a blessing - not only to the needy by offering money for supplies, but probably unknowingly to those of us who were there doing the serving by affirming and supporting what we are doing. I believe those opportunities to be an example and a blessing to others cross our paths on a daily basis. This man simply chose to act on the opportunity - do we?

The QuikTrip

My husband, Vince, stuffs his old jackets behind the seat of his pickup truck instead of putting them in the Good Will box. He told me he often sees homeless guys on his way to and from work. He wants to have the coats handy if it looks like one of them need one. I was fascinated by this information. I don't often notice that side of my husband. Anyway, he has been doing that for years now.

It was natural for him to want to hook up with the group at our church making efforts to help the homeless and he was one of the first to join up. Vince grew up in the city not far from the railroad bridge where "our" homeless folks abide. His mom still lives in that same house.

There's a QuikTrip just off the highway where we often stop for gas or coffee on our way home from Vince's mom's. I used to wonder why he always stopped there but it wasn't long before I realized he was watching for the homeless guys he often sees hanging around there. He sometimes buys them a cup of coffee or gives them a couple of bucks and visits with them a few minutes.

I was with Vince one time when he talked to a man for a few minutes then went on in to pay for our gas. We had just been to the grocery store so I grabbed an apple and went over to the man myself. I offered him the apple and he politely refused it showing me his rotted teeth. "Can't eat apples any more." I think we left him with a loaf of bread that day.

Anyway, that is how our church group found this "Under the Railroad Bridge" habitat. After talking to these guys that were so often seen at this QuikTrip, we've learned that they live nearby just past the highway. There is a railroad track and several have set up camp there. Originally there were just a few but as winter set in more and more have come and now there are around 12 or so now, although some come and go.

They are at the edge of the city in a wooded area. There are more services for homeless people deeper in the city but these people find it to be safer here. They say that Law Enforcement pretty much leaves them alone if they don't hassle anyone. They have built a small community.

I am thinking about them today because the weather has turned cold after a beautiful bout in the 50°s. Yesterday there was freezing rain and sleet with more to come today and snow tomorrow. I don't know how cold it got last night but it is only 19° right now. I am worried about them.