Volunteer Profile: Timothy Bish

Last night I watched the first snow storm of the season falling heavily on the city streets. I noticed with a nostalgic sense of the holidays, the Christmas lights on the trees and doorways that were being coated with a soft layer of snow. I was curled up on the couch with a special person sipping holiday drinks and watching a movie that, I joked but secretly hoped, would become a standing holiday tradition. My day was turning out to be pulled from a holiday card, not exactly like the ones that depict countryside scenes and horse drawn carriages but with all the appreciation of detail and cozy comforts we hear about in holiday carols. Things were truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

This morning was equally cozy. I woke up covered in a thick warm blanket with the sounds of the city street soft and soothing. Shovels were scraping the sidewalk and people were walking with their Mocha Lattes and Hot Chocolate. My alarm was set for 8:00 in the morning because I was planning to help a friend volunteer. When the alarm went off I was not excited to jump out of bed and head into the cold; however, my friend cares about the organization, God's Love We Deliver, and I care about him. Additionally, I know that volunteering can be a magnificent way to contribute to the community as well as connect to the true meaning of the holiday.

I knew a small amount about God's Love We Deliver. I knew that they prepare and deliver food to people who are living and managing disease of all kinds who have trouble caring for themselves. I learned that the organization was started to help people living with HIV/AIDS but has expanded its compassionate message to include any disease or health issue that would prevent someone from being able buy or prepare their own food. Their mission and message is clear and vital to the community. The people they serve need support during a challenging time of their lives.

Today's mission was making "Blizzard Boxes", boxes of non-perishable food items that each client would keep in their apartments and use in the case that delivery was not possible due to weather. The organization prides itself on "cooking with love"; they cut and mince fresh vegetables by hand. They opt not to buy expensive tools for mass producing food because they feel that the clients not only benefit from the food that's delivered but from the love and positive intentions that it is prepared with. Interestingly, we were working on this project after a blizzard and it was a blatant reminder of how necessary these "Blizzard Boxes" are.

I arrived at the Soho building with a festive red and white cup of my special morning drink, "The Elixir of Life." Within five minutes I was hard at work building boxes, the first step in a long assembly line of items that would fill the containers. Boxes were labeled for delivery: Canned Tuna, Water, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Oatmeal, Crackers, Granola Bars, etc. Our goal was 1700 boxes, one for every client. With the small army of people, organized by my friend Stephen who is starting a full time job with this organization, we managed to complete the task in about 3 ½ hours.

This project allowed me to take my first trip to Santa's Workshop and as I looked around at the group of people, some of whom I knew and others I was meeting for the first time, I felt the camaraderie. It was incredible to see a group gather for a common purpose and work seamlessly to achieve a common goal, a diverse group with a singular focus. The workroom, I believe a part of their kitchen facility, behaved like a beehive, one person would leave their station for a break and someone else would jump in. Some people manned their stations with care and others moved from job to job depending on what was most urgent. Regardless of the task or group you were a part of, smiles, conversation, singing and dancing were all around. The energy that swirled around the room was intoxicating and was further proof of GLWD's mandate. The energy and love that they use to create their food are ingredients of the utmost importance!

Completing the task felt good. I sat with friends eating pizza in the break room before we geared up to head back out into the cold. The pizza, something that can easily be taken for granted, served as a reminder of the importance of food not just as a means of survival but also of a cultural institution that brings people together. GLWD does not forget that important component in their mission as the people who deliver the food often develop friendly relationships with the people they are serving. At times the organization isn't just delivering food but also, a dose of companionship; a theme touchingly addressed in the informational video they show the volunteers.

With a few hugs we said goodbye to the group, our old friends and new acquaintances alike. Walking with my friends Aaron and Brian, we made our way to the local coffee shop for a warm drink and some conversation. As I sat talking and sipping my drink I felt a sense of appreciation for all of the things I have in my life. It can be easily taken for granted but warm drinks, holiday movies, comfortable beds, festive Christmas lights, a group of caring loved ones, or healthy, affordable meals are not universal things. There are people who need help and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. I was given the amazing feeling of warmth, togetherness, and holiday cheer. I realized the lines of who is the helper and who is being helped are blurred. We should remember that there may be a time when we will be the ones asking for help and thanks to amazing organizations like GLWD someone will be there to answer that call.

Happy Holidays