Project 36

I tossed and turned all night after listening to President Trump "campaign" in Melbourne, Florida yesterday. I felt helpless. I felt like we are leaving so many people behind in the democratic process. I wondered what I could singularly do to make an impact on the lives of people that I didn't even know.

The phrase "Think globally. Act locally" came to mind. In quiet reflection, I thought about my upbringing. I had food, clothes, excellent public schools and teachers, and loving parents and I thought everyone had this. Little did I know.

I remember both my Grandmother and my Mama working in my family's church food pantry providing guilt free nutrition to people who were in need. No questions asked. No judgement. Just food to nourish their family. They struggle as well to provide this service, but in their struggle, they know it is the right thing to do.

In my post yesterday, I noted that people who earn 50K a year pay on average $36 a year in tax dollars to support federal food stamp programs. We are learning that those federal budgets are a constant target for removal from the federal budget leaving so many of our brothers and sisters in peril.

54 percent of food stamp recipients live below 50 percent of the poverty line, and 34 percent live at a level between 50 percent and 100 percent of the poverty line.

I feel called to do something and I need your opinion. I want to start Project 36. I want to raise money for the food pantry at the church that I grew up in (St. Philip Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio). The greatest act of charity one can do is to provide for those who can do nothing for you in return.

I'd like to raise $2,500 for the food pantry to continue their mission in feeding the poor. I would like to do this through a gofundme account and ask that people donate $36 dollars to reach the goal.

Is this something you could support? Am I way out in left field wearing rose-colored glasses? Could you give up a Starbucks once a week for a month to do this? What are you doing for those who can do nothing for you?

Please be honest with me. If I'm off base, tell me. I am feeling so helpless in this current political climate that the overwhelming need to make a difference in someone's life who is less fortunate than I am has hit me like a ton of bricks.

Project 36. What are your thoughts? I plan to seed this with $200.00 to get this off the ground. My hope is that you would consider $36 to help reach the goal. I don't care what your political affiliation is. I just know we are all human and it is time to return humanity back to our community.