What is Giving Tuesday?

Those 3 words have graced Solidarity’s walls since our humble beginnings in March 2020. Like the rest of the world, we had no idea what the future held. We started because we were worried that a Pandemic shutdown could create serious food insecurity for our Latinx neighbors who support our local service economy. The one thing we knew for sure from the very beginning was that no one was going hungry in our own back yards! Not if we could do something about it.

Day 1 the Food Pantry was open we ran out of food.  You, our community, took action-rallied the troops, called your friends and neighbors, donated, shopped, volunteered-to make sure this never happened again. Because of your actions, we decided early on that we were a community of ABUNDANCE and we have neighbors who just wanted to help. You keep showing up sharing your abundance of time, treasures, talents and resources.

Not only are you helping feed people, through your acts of KINDNESS you are helping create community events that truly make everyone’s life better.  Kids are volunteering at an increasing rate, experiencing the joy of giving back.  Families are volunteering together, sharing an activity that lessens another’s burdens. Professionals are stepping up offering services that will truly change the trajectory of our neighbors’ futures.  Love, compassion, openness to new ideas, fun and interaction are creating a true sense of belonging and community that are bigger than just ourselves.

Please know that your acts of giving, no matter the size, are truly met with GRATITUDE.   There are blessings every day.  The people we are serving are truly grateful.  No sense of entitlement. No expectations. This sense of Gratitude only makes us want to do more. In the beginning we were truly keeping people from being hungry.  Now we are a safety net so that they don’t have to decide between paying the rent or utilities, going to the doctor or feeding their family. We are Solidarity, not charity.  We are a hand up, not a hand out. 

As we enter this season of abundance, kindness, and gratitude  will you help us on this Giving Tuesday continue our mission to create a village for our neighbors?  

all our love and gratitude, Jennifer Barnes, Co-Founder   

 Global emergencies, such as the coronavirus pandemic, provoke many of the same emotions of anxieties, fear, loss, hunger and despair across the world and right here at home. “Only a crisis, actual or perceived, produces real change”, said infamous 20th century economist, Milton Friedman. Solidarity was born from a moment of crisis. It’s neighborly outreach was created to support those in need of basic food and toiletries however Solidarity is no ordinary food pantry. Beyond basic staples, shoppers are provided a selection of fresh vegetables and meat produce to meet their weekly needs offering a health conscious focus. 

I began to volunteer at Solidarity in its infancy, peak pandemic time. The growth in both size and services has been staggering to witness. Solidarity not only meets our communities hunger needs but also feeds the emotional souls of families .

Secret Santa is on the horizon fulfilling wish lists and dreams for children. Of course, moms are not forgotten, allowing children to shop for Mother’s Day gifts from your generously donated items. Not to forget the huge support Solidarity offers to ease families burdens offering onsite access to vaccinations and visual examinations. 

Volunteering for Solidarity literally fills me up, not just because of the incredible services I witness but literally, being a part of this world has become like family. Love permeates the air and simply makes me happy!  Thanks to you and your ongoing generous support big or small, Solidarity can continue to offer these valuable services! It’s because of you, we are! 

Love, Glenda - A Solidarity Ambassador