United Way

She adverted her eyes as she approached on that cold winter day.  We handed her our leaflet anyway.  "We're the nurses of Backus Hospital and we're collecting food for the local food pantries".  She stopped, looked at us, and replied quietly, "I'm out of work and one step away from needing the food pantry myself."
We handed her information on United Way services and we wished her well as she went into the store.
Thirty minutes later she emerged with a small bag of groceries.  She reached in and took out a single can of tomato soup and placed it in our basket.  "I realized that as bad as things are, there are others who have it worse."
One of the nurses hugged her.

Luke writes, "As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

This was my introduction to the United Way.  Since then I have witnessed amazing things.  People giving out of their need.  Trucks being filled with food.  Many people being helped.  Unions and management working together for a good cause.

The annual United Way drive is going on right now at Backus Hospital.  I urge all who work there to give $1/week in payroll deductions.  It's simple, taking only a few minutes, and......it's $1. 
It might seem like $1/week won't make a difference, but added together with everyone else, it will! 
I have seen how one can of tomato soup from that lovely lady, added with others, filled a truck!

Together we can make a difference.