Friday can be stressful at Hope House. I don’t know if it is
because everyone is trying to make sure they have enough supplies to last the
weekend or just because it is an afternoon time slot, but if we are going to
have arguments over who was in line first or who is being rude—it will be on
Friday!
So today is a pleasant surprise to me at the end of a busy
week. Even though we had a huge line when we opened the doors at noon, everyone
has been in such a good mood! As I sit here in my office, I hear children
playing, moms chatting and staff interacting with our clients as if they are
family (which they are). The atmosphere is so great today—to go along with the
sunshine outside.
A big part of this wonderful day is one of our volunteers
(well, all of them are wonderful, but Matt stands out as a beacon of light). As
I walked by him to my office, just after opening the front door, he came out of
the back room singing “it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…” A Couple of clients joined in with him and we
all had our day brightened up!
Another element of the happy day is Chris, a longtime client
and Friday regular. She is always at the door, with a smile on her face and
spends her time chatting with other waiting clients—it becomes a real party
atmosphere on the front lawn Friday afternoons. I need to remember to get some
new sidewalk chalk for the kids to use while waiting.
Come see our family at Hope House—better yet, donate some
diapers or food, then stay to chat with our family.
I’ve got to go—someone wants to play musical chairs!
