Thankful for those who help in times of need
In recent times, a trend seems to have developed that assigns blame to certain years. Prior to 2020, the year 2016 took quite a beating in popular opinion.
While each year has its own developments, 2016 seemed to have an overabundance of popular celebrity deaths, many toward the end of the year. Roughly half of the U.S. population also took issue with the outcome of that year's presidential election.
Today, though, 2020 apparently is the antagonist of life as we know it, at least according to the plethora of late-night talk show gags and memes on social media. To be fair, it's been a while since we've had a worldwide pandemic. In response, most economies suffered and still are not recovering. Many people remain out of work or on reduced incomes as a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, infection rates show no sign of slowing, though there is hope on the horizon with the development of at least three different vaccines that should help turn the tide against the current worldwide health threat.
It is in the worst of times that some people have the ability and opportunity to rise above the problems many face and offer solutions, whether they be short-term or long-term fixes, and that is something I feel that needs to be recognized.
In Harrisburg, more than two years ago, state Sen. Dale Fowler and a band of volunteers along with the Fowler Bonan Foundation started Heaven's Kitchen, which provides a weekly meal program for the community.
After the success of that program, Marion businessman Jeff Diederich and his Diederich Foundation helped to bring it to that community, where it has been every bit as well received as the Harrisburg program.
It is a program that has been very much needed in these southern Illinois communities to help ensure people who need a good meal get one.
Of course, like many businesses, COVID-19 and subsequent safety measures forced the program to adapt or risk closing. What had been a sit-down venue (with optional carry-out) at both Heaven's Kitchen programs became exclusively a carry-out operation. This meant additional volunteers have been needed to package all food in Styrofoam clamshell boxes, and more hours are spent in preparation and delivery.
Rather than complain that the logistics of the program were too difficult, Fowler, Diederich and the now-swelling host of volunteers doubled down on their commitment.
Not only have the programs continued, but they have thrived.
In Marion, Diederich and his family provided 2,000 dinners last year at Thanksgiving. Though the same program was planned initially this year, Diederich said safety mitigations meant the program had to be scaled back. Still, his wife and children prepared and handed out 100 meals Monday as a way of lending a hand to the community.
Meanwhile in Harrisburg, Heaven's Kitchen will have its largest meal since its inception. Fowler said 2,500 meals are planned for the community today, all of which will be done on a carry-out basis. Many church programs that normally host Thanksgiving meals for the community are shut down this year, and Fowler said the need at this time of year is greater than it's ever been.
It's easy to be discouraged by the many negative things that have happened this year, and there is no quick fix.
Rather than ignore the responsibility of leadership, though, people like Dale Fowler and his family, Jeff Diederich and his family, and the many tireless women and men who volunteer at Heaven's Kitchen in Harrisburg and Marion, along with all the other folks who refuse to accept the negativity of 2020 by helping their communities, deserve commendation for their efforts.