Thoughts As I Loosen My Belt or Bake Cookies

I was reading Sally Squires' column in the Washington Post today about how much weight overweight and obese Americans will gain during the holidays, what with all the parties, big meals, cocktails and sweets.  As I thought about how most people will gain two to five pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's, I remembered a story I'd heard on NPR a few weeks ago about how the Department of Housing and Urban Development was touting a drop in the number of "chronically homeless," but experts said those numbers don't include homeless families, whose numbers may very well be growing.  Will homeless families gain weight over the holidays? 

And then I remembered another story I'd heard that same day, about how New York City was getting "tough" on homeless families that can theoretically bunk with relatives or friends, deeming them ineligible for shelter.   The disparity between incomes and lifestyles is pretty stark at this time of year. 

There are so many ways to help the poor and homeless around the holidays.  Our church provides food, gifts and gift cards to grocery stores and pharmacies to individuals and families whose names were given to the church by Alexandria Child Protective Services.  Our church also has close relationships with Carpenter's Shelter, and Christ House, which serve the homeless in and around Alexandria.

Before we had our daughter, my husband and I used to volunteer at Carpenter's Shelter twice a month, leading the Children's Hour, which is playtime on the playground or rec room (which only get opened during this time) while their parents attend mandatory life skills classes.  It was one of the most rewarding things we've ever done, going and playing with those kids for two hours a month.  They all lived with their families at the shelter while their parents were getting back on their feet through jobs, financial counseling, skills classes, housing, meals and support.  It felt so good to be a part of something so tangibly good. 

This year, our holiday social schedule is shaping up to be pretty light, and I think that's probably as good as a sign as any that it's time for us to reconnect with Carpenter's Shelter.  Our Petunia is old enough to understand it's important to help those who need help, and it's time for us to show her with our actions.