Hiding behind and often missed during the delight of Christmas decorations, cookies, gatherings and packages is — hope. The gift of hope appears quietly yet when we train our eyes on it, we can witness it in little things like holding a door open for someone carrying heavy bags to giving up a prime parking spot to giving assistance and compassion to others enduring difficult times.

A disabled veteran in the midst of hardship recently called the food bank. After serving honorably, Marcus returned to civilian life with physical disabilities that made traditional employment difficult. His life was upended by the sudden death of his wife, leaving him to raise their two young children alone while navigating his own grief and medical challenges. He shared that most days he is paralyzed with fear and anxiety, not knowing from where his children’s next meal is going to come. With his voice quivering, Marcus continued, “I have no mobility and cannot even get myself to the food bank.” Although our Angel on Wheels program which delivers groceries to housebound individuals is currently at capacity, we said to him, “We will get food to you and your kids. You are not alone.”

The gift of hope is a confident expectation rooted in a trustworthy God who promises restoration and provision for the hurting. Hope is manifested in sacrificial generosity as it is anchored in an eternal future where time and finances are irrelevant, so we can be generous with those resources in our present life.

Hope comes to our wounded guests through the sacrificial giving from our supporters and donors like you.

So thank you for sharing the gift of hope for our hungry neighbors in need yesterday, today and the days ahead.