Sharing the Joy
Director of Community Ministries & Mission, Dan Philips, shares how Loaves & Fish changed his perspective on Advent.
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year.
When I was younger, the month of December seemed like the world had been transformed into a magical place with decorations and lights everywhere. At home, Christmas carols were playing and the smell of Christmas cookies baking just made me smile. When the tree went up and the Lionel trains were set up, I knew that Santa wasn’t far behind.
Serving at Loaves & Fish this time of year brings a whole different perspective to the Christmas season. I still see the joy on the faces of the children that join us each week, but I know that often, the feelings I felt as a child are far from the reality for many.
Several years ago, a young mother and her little boy were going through the take home table line, picking out groceries for home. As they came to the table with the sweets, the mother said to the little boy, “It’s your birthday so why don’t you pick out whatever you want today.” As the pantry helpers watched, the little boy looked over all the goodies to choose from and then walked over to pick up a roll of toilet tissue and handed it to his mother. Surprised, she said to him, “Honey you can get whatever you want.” He quietly replied to his mother, “But momma, you said we needed toilet paper.” The volunteer at the table placed the toilet paper in their bag and said, “Sweetie, go ahead and choose something else.” Watching this, it was painfully obvious that things were tough at home, and even this little boy was doing what he could to help his family.
We work hard at keeping joy in the Christmas season at Loaves & Fish, particularly for the children. On the weekend before Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus pay us a visit. After the children finish their meals, they take a trip to see Santa where they can choose from scores of nice toys and games, and get a picture with jolly St. Nick. For years, the gifts have been provided by two local gentlemen (angels, we think), that get great joy in making sure every child will get at least one nice toy at Christmas.
The Peoria Area Food Bank often provides us with special holiday food boxes for our guests. And, the Peoria Area Association of Realtors gives us dozens of ten-dollar Kroger gift cards for families in need.
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year.
When I was younger, the month of December seemed like the world had been transformed into a magical place with decorations and lights everywhere. At home, Christmas carols were playing and the smell of Christmas cookies baking just made me smile. When the tree went up and the Lionel trains were set up, I knew that Santa wasn’t far behind.
Serving at Loaves & Fish this time of year brings a whole different perspective to the Christmas season. I still see the joy on the faces of the children that join us each week, but I know that often, the feelings I felt as a child are far from the reality for many.
Several years ago, a young mother and her little boy were going through the take home table line, picking out groceries for home. As they came to the table with the sweets, the mother said to the little boy, “It’s your birthday so why don’t you pick out whatever you want today.” As the pantry helpers watched, the little boy looked over all the goodies to choose from and then walked over to pick up a roll of toilet tissue and handed it to his mother. Surprised, she said to him, “Honey you can get whatever you want.” He quietly replied to his mother, “But momma, you said we needed toilet paper.” The volunteer at the table placed the toilet paper in their bag and said, “Sweetie, go ahead and choose something else.” Watching this, it was painfully obvious that things were tough at home, and even this little boy was doing what he could to help his family.
We work hard at keeping joy in the Christmas season at Loaves & Fish, particularly for the children. On the weekend before Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus pay us a visit. After the children finish their meals, they take a trip to see Santa where they can choose from scores of nice toys and games, and get a picture with jolly St. Nick. For years, the gifts have been provided by two local gentlemen (angels, we think), that get great joy in making sure every child will get at least one nice toy at Christmas.
The Peoria Area Food Bank often provides us with special holiday food boxes for our guests. And, the Peoria Area Association of Realtors gives us dozens of ten-dollar Kroger gift cards for families in need.
