When you think about the economy, there are several things you probably think of.  The rising gas prices, the price of living.  The only thing that isn't going up is your paycheck. (Unless you are very lucky.) This affects average American citizens every day, and the problem's just getting worse.One of the more major issues this creates is hunger.  I know we all think of severe hunger as only existing in places like Africa, or the Middle East.  We never think of this problem as so close to home.
            But it's there.  Everywhere you look.  And because of the rise in food prices, less people can afford food.  They are among the many that will now be forced to obtain food bags every night.  Good thing the food banks are there to help!
            This moves in on another issue.  Because of rising food prices, many people, while still able to buy food for their families, can no longer afford to buy extra food to give to the food bank. Or think ‘everyone else does, so why should I?’ It's the whole supply and demand issue to the extreme- recently, Gov. Gregoire of Washington State had to spend $200,000 of emergency money to move food from bank to bank, and tens of thousands more families are now eligible to food stamps.
            So what happens to all of those people lined up outside the food bank doors, waiting for any food they can get?  What will happen when poverty rates increase so drastically that almost everyone needs the food bank, and almost no one can afford to buy extra food to donate?
            This is a crisis.  Don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise.  But there are also things that you, as a person, can do.  To start, you can donate to your local food bank.  You may have to reduce your eating out to once a month, and donate the money you save.  Another useful way to save money is to sell the old knickknacks and toys that just sit there, piled on your shelves, never being used. (or donate them to us- see the events page)
            You can also help in other ways then donating.  Hold a canned food drive (the food bank also greatly appreciates donations of diapers, toilet paper, and women's sanitary products.  Volunteer at your local food bank.
           The Golden Laurels are working to solve this problem.  We hold bakes sales (look for us on the Burke Gilman Trail, near Metropolitan Market on weekends, we may or may not be there) and garage sales to earn money, which we then use to by canned food and other items to take to the food bank.  We also have our own individual projects to help raise money.  We hold canned food drives, one of which will take place in the coming months.
            You can do any of these projects, either separately or working with the Golden Laurels.  To create your own branch, or find out ways to help, please feel free to Contact Us.  If we all work together, we can help stop world hunger, starting right here at home.  The food revolution starts here.

To receive more suggestions, either for making money or finding other ways to help, or to suggest something to us, email us at webmaster@goldenlaurels.org

Page written by V
©2008, Tree Of Charity
webmaster@goldenlaurels.org