Making Connections

A big part of what I enjoy at #SoWhatElse (SWE) is making connections. The most obvious connection is between hungry people and food. Our clientele make food appointments on our website. They come in at the scheduled time and we check them in and connect them with a big shopping cart filled with food.

That is the obvious connection, but definitely not the only one. My first connection was with SWE CEO, Dave Silbert. I have known Dave's father, Rich, my whole life because his uncle married my aunt. So we share cousins but we're not related. Through the family grapevine I found out about SWE. I talked with Dave and we decided that volunteering there would benefit me and SWE.

I've been there for over a year. Once I got comfortable, I began to make connections with other volunteers as well as other employees. We all share a passion for helping get food to the people in need. At my age, it's wonderful to meet and become friends with so many new people!

There are also built-in support groups. We divorced women share our stories about divorce. Sometimes the stories are sad, but sometimes they are funny. We have something in common just because we are divorced.The other day, 2 guys I know we're in SWE. I introduce them, knowing that they are both single dads. They instantly connected and had a lot to say to each other.Two ladies connected because I recognized that their accents were similar. They  ended up chatting in their native language. 

It isn't easy to be in a position to need food. We never ask questions, but we try to find a way to connect to make the process easier. So it's not unusual to come to SWE and see people embracing those with whom they have connected. There's nothing like a nice, warm hug!

All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Click the link below if you would like to donate.

https://linktr.ee/sowhatelsedonates

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