I did some volunteering at a women's shelter down on Skid Row this weekend. Wow, what an absolutely humbling experience.

I worked the breakfast shift, so we arrived a little before 6am. To be honest, it's not an area you want to be during daylight hours, let alone before sunrise. A co-worker and I met at the office and he drove us over, so at least I wasn't on my own. We saw someone open the security gate to the parking lot and moved quickly to get inside before it closed.

Once inside, we introduced ourselves and said "put us to work!". Being the first to show-up, we had our pick of stuff to do. I got to slice up an entire crate of cantaloupes into 1 1/2 inch wedges. The guy in charge liked me, so I got the "good" knife (or so he said). My co-worker was working the grill. He had 130 eggs to fry! After fruit, it was putting shredded cheese and salsa into new containers. Folks from our office started to show up, so things were really gearing-up.

I worked the sink for a bit, then was directed to take the HUGE pans of hash browns out of the ovens and put them in to chafing type dishes (without the sterno candles), then wash the pans. Next, I got all the counters cleaned and started rolling 200 forks into napkins. It was getting close to serving time, so we had to get everything ready.

The way it worked was, we were in a line with one person in charge of each item that goes onto the plate. The first item goes on and gets handed to the next person to put their item on it, and so on, until it got to me where I handed it to the next lady in line.

I felt it was really important to engage as many women that I could. I looked at everyone in the eye (most looked back, but not all), said "Good morning, how are you?". If they answered I would respond, if not I would hand them their plate and say "enjoy your breakfast and have a good day.". I'd say 99% of the ladies were so friendly and said "Thank you" or "Thank you so much for coming down, we appreciate it". little did they know how much I appreciated them!

These women broke my heart and I am so glad there are places like where we spent our Saturday morning. I believe most were residents of the center, but not all. Some had chores to do after the meal (dishes, floors, etc). and the rest either went to other areas or outside. Before we arrived, we'd gotten almost 500 toiletry packs made-up with items we all went out and purchased to donate and some were passed-out, from what I understand, the women were so grateful. Imagine, a bag with soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lip balm, sunscreen, a washcloth, a brush or comb and a few other things like that was enough to make these women's day. Things we take for granted. Think about that.

Most of us volunteers also brought in items on our own to donate. I brought a huge handled bag with as many articles of new clothes (with tags) or gently used clothes. They have a real need for career wear (New or gently used) and undergarments (new, of course). I was able to find or buy a lot. Plus, I had new shoes I'd gotten online that didn't fit (5 pairs), plus casual wear clothes. I hope it makes a difference. This place works to get women back on their feet and into jobs, they need anything they can get to help.

To all the jerks who say these people are taking advantage of the system, fuck you. You do not live on or go to Skid Row to take advantage of the system. Some of these ladies don't know any other life, some were hit by disastrous events and are trying to claw their way back to a normal life and some were so horribly damaged by life that I want to cry when I think about where they would be without places like this.

Seeing the smiles our simple breakfast and just being there caused made my day. I was also really proud when our head kitchen guy told us that he would love for us to come back, because "A lot of folks come here and don't want to work. They want to play around and take pictures, you guys work hard and I would love to have you back any time". High praise! He actually ran out of stuff for us to do, so we did some of the work the lunch team was supposed to do. 😀

I'm really glad we went when we did and that it wasn't over Thanksgiving. They need help during the times there aren't celebrated holidays. They need help every day.

I told the gal that hooked us up with this program to let me know whenever they plan the next volunteer day, because I'm looking forward to going back.

Any one of us could end-up in the same situation as these ladies, don't take your life/situation for granted and, if you can, find a reputable program and see if you can help out. You won't regret it.

Time to work on a gratitude list....