Let's help our community volunteers do their good works

The often harsh, grey days of winter provide a good backdrop to highlight those in our communities who do good work for others a lot less fortunate.

And it’s a good indication of why the rest of us have to support -- or at least encourage, and not impede -- those works.

In West Hants and Windsor this week, The Hants Journal’s attentions have included those on the cleanup at the Matthew 25 food bank, and the skillful endeavours of the Martock and Windsor Forks Women’s Institute (WI).

Both organizations have been working hard for others -- in fact, on behalf of the rest of us.

Food banks have, unfortunately, become a necessary feature in many Valley communities, and elsewhere in the province and country. Regardless of whether the economy improves or tightens up – depending upon where one lives and what one does – someone always gets left behind.

The Matthew 25 facility in Windsor has had to temporarily shut down operations in order to correct a number of outstanding structural issues, as well as to clear away amounts of materials that were or had become unsuitable for distribution to clients.

And just what to donate for distribution had been an issue.

A collection of used auto parts, or soiled clothing, or broken appliances are not suitable to help someone in immediate need, or to foist on those people trying so hard to help such folks.

The food bank volunteers have taken up cleaning implements and paintbrushes to bring things to right so their work can resume with even greater efficiency.

Like other such facilities in the region, the food bank needs quality foods, of course, to help those who find themselves in need for varying lengths of time, but also good materials such as clothing, as well as toys for children.

The food bank can’t be used as merely a place to dump old junk.

As Matthew 25 co-founder and chair Cindy Loane has pointed out, the food bank has to pay to dispose of materials that are, or become, unsuitable to help others. So, in fact, less than careful consideration before a donor goes to the food bank can be not only counterproductive, but also costly.

Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to ensure that food bank clients continue to be served as the clean-up work continues.

And speaking of quality goods going to help others, the Martock and Windsor Forks WI continue their work in producing quality, wool-based, quilts.

In four years, the members have produced 150 of their skillfully crafted quilts to comfort the homeless and those in shelters.

The items are donated to such organizations as the Salvation Army, which distributes them to clients.

WI in general is a well-known international organization, largely of rural women, who volunteer in a wide range of capacities – including spearheading the current ‘buy-local’ campaign to help sustain the province’s agricultural sector.

We as communities and a society have to help these organizations do their various works. In truth, we all benefit from the results.