From the Sherburne County Citizen:
http://www.citizennewspaper.com/main.asp?SectionID=6&SubSectionID=94&ArticleID=11992To The Editor:
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who generously give to the Becker Food Shelf. I'm one of those people who has become dependent on this resource, as much as I wish it weren't so.
I wish to remain anonymous, if possible - for obvious reasons. I'm not ashamed of needing help (I work one full-time and two part-time jobs). But I'm embarrassed to find myself in the circumstance that my family is currently in.
I also wish to thank the diligent volunteers who run the food shelf twice a week. They work many more hours than you know - taking in food, stocking shelves, filling out paperwork, etc.
Most of us don't say much while we're choosing our items, because we're embarrassed to be on the receiving end of charity. I hope this is not received as an attitude of ingratitude.
Some people in the community seem to think that if you don't live in a run-down shack, or drive a rust-bucket, you must be abusing the charity. Even though this might be true in some instances, for the most part that's not the case.
Not everyone lives in low-income housing, as might be assumed. Some of us have "nicer" homes in "better" neighborhoods. But that doesn't mean we don't need a helping hand. Many of us are close to foreclosure.
It's a scary thing to watch your fridge and cupboards empty out one week before you get paid again.
So, what's a mother to do? This is what we do: We swallow our pride and go to the food shelf, and there we're greeted by two friendly ladies who are more than helpful.
I, for one, wish I didn't need to use it. I look forward to the day that I can give back to the good people of Becker. Thank you again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
(Editor's Note: Above letter edited for brevity. Confidentiality protected for obvious reasons).
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