Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons, Target
and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping that
Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry tomatoes. They
did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a fruit platter for
husband.

Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked! Apparently the
bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all of the
tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily reach but a
few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight slant, those
eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave the cherries
there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a few birds in
the front yard. I think they have nests there.

Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I was
cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off. It's
a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest looks
when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they were
probably thinking it was a bit early for those.

On Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:36:42 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons, Target
>
> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
>
> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping that
>
> Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry tomatoes. They
>
> did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a fruit platter for
>
> husband.
>
>
>
> Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked! Apparently the
>
> bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all of the
>
> tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily reach but a
>
> few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight slant, those
>
> eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave the cherries
>
> there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a few birds in
>
> the front yard. I think they have nests there.
>
>
>
> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
>
> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
>
> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I was
>
> cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off. It's
>
> a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
>
> walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest looks
>
> when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they were
>
> probably thinking it was a bit early for those.

Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.

"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> On Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:36:42 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
>> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons,
>> Target
>>
>> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
>>
>> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping that
>>
>> Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry tomatoes.
>> They
>>
>> did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a fruit platter for
>>
>> husband.
>>
>>
>>
>> Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked! Apparently
>> the
>>
>> bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all of
>> the
>>
>> tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily reach
>> but a
>>
>> few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight slant, those
>>
>> eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave the cherries
>>
>> there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a few birds in
>>
>> the front yard. I think they have nests there.
>>
>>
>>
>> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
>>
>> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
>>
>> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I
>> was
>>
>> cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off.
>> It's
>>
>> a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
>>
>> walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest
>> looks
>>
>> when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they
>> were
>>
>> probably thinking it was a bit early for those.
>
> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.

I had thought about that. But it seemed like they would be problematic if I
bought something large.

On Thu, 16 May 2013 23:18:29 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>> On Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:36:42 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
>>> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons,
>>> Target
>>>
>>> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
>>>
>>> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping that
>>>
>>> Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry tomatoes.
>>> They
>>>
>>> did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a fruit platter for
>>>
>>> husband.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked! Apparently
>>> the
>>>
>>> bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all of
>>> the
>>>
>>> tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily reach
>>> but a
>>>
>>> few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight slant, those
>>>
>>> eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave the cherries
>>>
>>> there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a few birds in
>>>
>>> the front yard. I think they have nests there.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
>>>
>>> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
>>>
>>> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I
>>> was
>>>
>>> cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off.
>>> It's
>>>
>>> a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
>>>
>>> walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest
>>> looks
>>>
>>> when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they
>>> were
>>>
>>> probably thinking it was a bit early for those.
>>
>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>
>I had thought about that. But it seemed like they would be problematic if I
>bought something large.

You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.

Doris

"Doris Night" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 23:18:29 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>>> On Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:36:42 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons,
>>>> Target
>>>>
>>>> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did
>>>> get
>>>>
>>>> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping that
>>>>
>>>> Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry tomatoes.
>>>> They
>>>>
>>>> did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a fruit platter
>>>> for
>>>>
>>>> husband.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked!
>>>> Apparently
>>>> the
>>>>
>>>> bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all of
>>>> the
>>>>
>>>> tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily reach
>>>> but a
>>>>
>>>> few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight slant, those
>>>>
>>>> eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave the
>>>> cherries
>>>>
>>>> there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a few birds
>>>> in
>>>>
>>>> the front yard. I think they have nests there.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the
>>>> house.
>>>>
>>>> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter.
>>>> Fruit
>>>>
>>>> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I
>>>> was
>>>>
>>>> cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off.
>>>> It's
>>>>
>>>> a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
>>>>
>>>> walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest
>>>> looks
>>>>
>>>> when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they
>>>> were
>>>>
>>>> probably thinking it was a bit early for those.
>>>
>>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>>
>>I had thought about that. But it seemed like they would be problematic if
>>I
>>bought something large.
>
> You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
> boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.

There is no room for boxes back there. One box, maybe. I used to have a
big basket to hold the reusable bags. It was taking up so much room, I got
rid of it and scaled back on how many bags I carry.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 17 May 2013 11:25:24 -0400, Doris Night wrote:
>
>> You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
>> boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.
>
> Are you offering solutions to Julie? You must be new here ;-)

My van does have bag hooks but whoever designed them did not design them
well. They just don't feasibly work unless perhaps you have one or two
really lightweight plastic bags. The others just don't stay.

On 5/18/2013 12:31 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Fri, 17 May 2013 11:25:24 -0400, Doris Night wrote:
>>
>>> You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
>>> boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.
>>
>> Are you offering solutions to Julie? You must be new here ;-)
>
> My van does have bag hooks but whoever designed them did not design them
> well. They just don't feasibly work unless perhaps you have one or two
> really lightweight plastic bags. The others just don't stay.
>
>
The hooks aren't for bags. They are to attach bungee cords or one of
those netting dividers.

--
CAPSLOCK–Preventing Login Since 1980.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 17 May 2013 11:25:24 -0400, Doris Night wrote:
>
>> You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
>> boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.
>
> Are you offering solutions to Julie? You must be new here ;-)

That is neither true nor fair.
--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 18 May 2013 09:44:10 +0100, Ophelia wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Fri, 17 May 2013 11:25:24 -0400, Doris Night wrote:
>>>
>>>> You can always put the large items beside the boxes. Just because the
>>>> boxes are there doesn't mean you absolutely have to use them.
>>>
>>> Are you offering solutions to Julie? You must be new here ;-)
>>
>> That is neither true nor fair.
>
> I know Doris is not new here. That's why I winked.
>
> And you have certainly seen that offering suggestions to Julie is
> never productive. You can't deny that.

No one says the suggestions MUST be followed. All we can do is offer,
certainly I never expect more from anyone.
--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:44 -0700 (PDT), Roy >
wrote:

> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.

I still don't have anything like that. I've wanted one of those nets
that are like slings installed in the last couple of cars we've owned,
but for some reason hubby doesn't like the idea. Haven't ever had a
problem like Julie's, even with 6 bags of groceries... but accidents
do happen.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:44 -0700 (PDT), Roy >
> wrote:
>
>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>
> I still don't have anything like that. I've wanted one of those nets
> that are like slings installed in the last couple of cars we've owned,
> but for some reason hubby doesn't like the idea. Haven't ever had a
> problem like Julie's, even with 6 bags of groceries... but accidents
> do happen.

The problem was that we had 6-12 packs of soda plus two large soft sided
coolers, one of which is round, in addition to many empty shopping bags.
And I think, 7 or 8 full or mostly full shopping bags. That sounds like a
lot but it wasn't all groceries.

This particular van (Windstar) has far less storage type room in it than our
old Dodge Caravan. When the Caravan's transmission went, we left it in PA
with my BIL and bought the Windstar from him. We were in the middle of a
cross country move so it was already pretty full, particularly because we
were making the move between summer and fall and did not know how long it
would take to get our household goods. So we packed more than we normally
would. Plus we had the cat. Plus, Angela and I had birthdays and people
loaded us up with presents that in their mind took up very little room. But
really, a foot tall porcelain doll in a box is not what you want to move in
your van like that.

The old van also had two cartop carriers on it that where shaped like
bullets. They were soft sided. I have never seen them in use anywhere
else. Found them on the Internet. People made extreme fun of them! The
Windstar would not accommodate them. The roof began to cave in from the
weight. So my other BIL took those to use for camping. My SIL also had to
ship two large boxes of our stuff to us because it simply would not fit in
our new van.

By the time we got here, we were packed in like sardines! The only one who
didn't have trouble getting in and out was my husband because he had nothing
packed around him. I have to sleep with my legs on a wedge pillow and even
though I didn't bring my standard one, the smaller one was still pretty
large. I used that as an arm rest. But we also had blankets, folding
stools, food, cat stuff, toys and books and all of my supplements and
medications. Thankfully I wasn't on insulin then. That would have been a
BIG problem. Thankfully that was our last move.

We also had a problem doing a big stock up at the military commissary which
we no longer do now that Target sells fresh food and we have a Winco. The
old van would easily hold two heaped shopping carts full of stuff. But this
one? The back gets packed as high as possible and still be able to see
over. And the back seat is full. And the spare front seat is full. And
there is still stuff packed all around us. This van does give the
passengers more room though so that is good.

I haven't had to buy stuff in this quantity for a while but with husband
home, I need to buy more stuff. He needed things like toiletries. And I
always forget just how much food he can eat in a day. It just astounds me.
He did say that his new job has lots of free food and drinks there. And he
started it yesterday. So I really only had to make dinner for him these
past few days. He is also right next to where he used to work for the
military so can use the dining hall there if he so chooses.

On 5/17/2013 2:24 AM, sf wrote:
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:44 -0700 (PDT), Roy >
> wrote:
>
>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>
> I still don't have anything like that. I've wanted one of those nets
> that are like slings installed in the last couple of cars we've owned,
> but for some reason hubby doesn't like the idea. Haven't ever had a
> problem like Julie's, even with 6 bags of groceries... but accidents
> do happen.
>
I love the cargo sling in the back of my hatchback. It unhooks from the
sides if you want to stash larger items.

Jill

On Thu, 16 May 2013 23:24:18 -0700, sf > wrote:

>On Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:44 -0700 (PDT), Roy >
>wrote:
>
>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>
>I still don't have anything like that. I've wanted one of those nets
>that are like slings installed in the last couple of cars we've owned,
>but for some reason hubby doesn't like the idea. Haven't ever had a
>problem like Julie's, even with 6 bags of groceries... but accidents
>do happen.

All you need is one of those shopping carriers that you keep flat in
your car. It is made of fabric and unfolds like an accordion and
reveals either 3 or 4 pockets that are capable of holding a full-size
paper grocery sack or a watermelon or whatever. I keep one in my car
because I carry my shopping in the front passenger area and this bag
holder keeps everything stable -- even when turning sharp corners or
bumpy road.
Janet US

"Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
news
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 23:24:18 -0700, sf > wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:44 -0700 (PDT), Roy >
>>wrote:
>>
>>> Always have boxes in your van to put those bags of groceries into.
>>
>>I still don't have anything like that. I've wanted one of those nets
>>that are like slings installed in the last couple of cars we've owned,
>>but for some reason hubby doesn't like the idea. Haven't ever had a
>>problem like Julie's, even with 6 bags of groceries... but accidents
>>do happen.
>
> All you need is one of those shopping carriers that you keep flat in
> your car. It is made of fabric and unfolds like an accordion and
> reveals either 3 or 4 pockets that are capable of holding a full-size
> paper grocery sack or a watermelon or whatever. I keep one in my car
> because I carry my shopping in the front passenger area and this bag
> holder keeps everything stable -- even when turning sharp corners or
> bumpy road.
> Janet US

Hmmm... Have not seen those.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons,
> Target and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but
> did get some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat. Was hoping
> that Costco would still have the assorted little grape and cherry
> tomatoes. They did! Also picked up a big container of cherries and a
> fruit platter for husband.
>
> Got home. Daughter opened the back of the van and shrieked! Apparently
> the bag had toppled. A few cherries fell to the driveway along with all
> of the tomatoes! We picked up all of the tomatoes that we could easily
> reach but a few were under the van. Since the driveway is on a slight
> slant, those eventually rolled near the sidewalk. We opted just to leave
> the cherries there because I know the birds love them and we have quite a
> few birds in the front yard. I think they have nests there.
>
> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice. So while I was
> cleaning up inside the house, daughter came in, laughing her head off.
> It's a nice day, we're across the street from a park and people are always
> walking their dogs out there. She said people gave her the funniest looks
> when they say the produce all over. We do have a cherry tree so they were
> probably thinking it was a bit early for those.

Nice to hear cheerful stuff, even if a bit messy))

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 20:36:42 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons,
>> Target
>> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
>> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat.
>
> Why do you buy stuff specifically for the food bank? Just give the
> money you'd spend on those items to the food bank. They can typically
> buy 5x more food with the money than you can at the grocery store.

Because I can donate the food at the store I am already shopping at. To
give to them, I would have to drive to the food bank and that is out of my
way. I generally only buy items that I can get a good deal on. Yesterday I
got just over $40 worth of food and bar soap and toothpaste for $19.18. I
also sometimes give things from my house. But never expired food. Maybe
things that we thought we would like but did not. Or things we can no
longer eat or use. I also donated toothbrushes yesterday. The ones I
bought did not work for me so I am going back to the Spinbrush and I donated
those. I also donate any items given to me by my dentist because I can not
use those.
>
>> Picked up the fruit platter and tomatoes and walked them into the house.
>> Then I could feel the front of my shirt getting wetter and wetter. Fruit
>> platter was upside down and I was doused with melon juice.
>
> You should just cut your own melon at home... [wait for it!]

Uh huh. We went through this last year.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 17 May 2013 21:30:21 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> Why do you buy stuff specifically for the food bank? Just give the
>>> money you'd spend on those items to the food bank. They can typically
>>> buy 5x more food with the money than you can at the grocery store.
>>
>> Because I can donate the food at the store I am already shopping at. To
>> give to them, I would have to drive to the food bank and that is out of
>> my
>> way.
>
> Dare I suggest that you can always donate by mail or phone? But I'm
> sure for some reason that wouldn't work for you.

They do not take phone donations. They can not take credit cards and I
generally don't write checks. They have a website and it lists what they
need. I try to donate what they need and in fact it suggests that if I want
to help, to hold a food drive and pass out a list of what they need.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 18 May 2013 01:06:54 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Fri, 17 May 2013 21:30:21 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>> Why do you buy stuff specifically for the food bank? Just give the
>>>>> money you'd spend on those items to the food bank. They can typically
>>>>> buy 5x more food with the money than you can at the grocery store.
>>>>
>>>> Because I can donate the food at the store I am already shopping at.
>>>> To
>>>> give to them, I would have to drive to the food bank and that is out of
>>>> my
>>>> way.
>>>
>>> Dare I suggest that you can always donate by mail or phone? But I'm
>>> sure for some reason that wouldn't work for you.
>>
>> They do not take phone donations. They can not take credit cards and I
>> generally don't write checks. They have a website and it lists what they
>> need. I try to donate what they need and in fact it suggests that if I
>> want
>> to help, to hold a food drive and pass out a list of what they need.
>
> Food banks want MONEY, most of all. They use it to buy food from the
> USDA at pennies on the dollar.
>
> Northwest Harvest takes online monetary donations VIA credit card or
> by phone. They are the main distribution hub serving the individual
> food pantries in your area.

And they don't serve this area. I give to my local food bank.
>
> It's as easy as placing an online order (which you do often).

Not going to give to them.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> You'll spend money to buy them food, but you won't just give them the
> money which would buy 5x as food. Uh, OK.

I checked on this and you are just wrong. My food bank is independently run
by the community. Not the same as a food pantry. I did nothing wrong. And
if I could get over $40 worth of things that they need (and not just food)
for just over $19, that's not bad at all. Plus I gave things that we had
but can no longer use. Instead of trying to refund them at the store, I
donated. If they didn't want donations, they wouldn't put out bins. And
they wouldn't have a list of things that they want. I did contact them.
But we'll see. Angela wants to work there so we'll see how they are run.
If in fact they accept her to work there.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 19 May 2013 21:44:31 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> You'll spend money to buy them food, but you won't just give them the
>>> money which would buy 5x as food. Uh, OK.
>>
>> I checked on this and you are just wrong. My food bank is independently
>> run
>> by the community. Not the same as a food pantry.
>
> OK, so what is the name of this food bank?
>
> -sw

Here's their website:

http://maltbyfoodbank.org/

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...

> You'll spend money to buy them food, but you won't just give them the
> money which would buy 5x as food. Uh, OK.

Her money! Her choice! At least she IS giving which is commendable.

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> You'll spend money to buy them food, but you won't just give them the
>> money which would buy 5x as food. Uh, OK.
>
> Her money! Her choice! At least she IS giving which is commendable.

He is wrong on this though. I did write to them. And I do try to give what
they need. Why would they make a list of needed donations if they'd rather
we give money? Might work that way where he is but here, they do want
donations. And if I am giving them things that I got for free with a coupon
or things we can no longer use, then it's not like I'm going out and buying
them. Yes, I did buy things this time. But over $40 worth of food and HBA
for just over $19 is pretty good.

On 5/17/2013 11:22 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Thu, 16 May 2013 20:36:42 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> Daughter and I were stooging it today. Went shopping at Albertsons, Target
>> and Costco. Mostly got stuff for the food back at Albertsons but did get
>> some things for the pasta salad that I'll make on Sat.
>
> Why do you buy stuff specifically for the food bank? Just give the
> money you'd spend on those items to the food bank. They can typically
> buy 5x more food with the money than you can at the grocery store.
>
(snip)
> -sw
>
I have to agree with that. Oh sure, many years ago I'd pick up canned
food (there was no refrigerated or frozen food allowed at the time, they
didn't have facilities). Also household items. Toilet paper, anyone?.
I'd buy it at the grocery store to drop off at collection centers.

These days lots of food banks/pantries have a web site or at least a way
to donate via phone. I always did feel funny buying pampers and jars of
baby food. (laugh) I give them approximately the amount I'd have spent
on the extra items.

There is a food drive going on right now for the migrant workers on
Saint Helena. A group of Franciscan nuns are coordinating it. These
workers show up every year to plant, tend and then hand-pick the
tomatoes. I've seen them doing it! They also work at the farms that
grow melons... all kinds of melons and fruit. (Legal, illegal? I am
not getting into that debate. Everyone needs to eat. They're doing
jobs no one else is willing to do.)

I'll give the Franciscan Center some money towards food for them. If
you can't trust a bunch of Franciscan nuns, who can you trust? LOL
Note: I've been to the Franciscan Center. They aren't living in the lap
of luxury. They run a thrift shop and employ people who are down on
their luck.

Jill

On 18/05/2013 1:18 PM, jmcquown wrote:

> I have to agree with that. Oh sure, many years ago I'd pick up canned
> food (there was no refrigerated or frozen food allowed at the time, they
> didn't have facilities). Also household items. Toilet paper, anyone?.
> I'd buy it at the grocery store to drop off at collection centers.


My wife helps out with the food bank at her church once a month. Once in
a while I help out.I can't get too excited about them. Some of them are
needy cases. Most need to set their priorities, l have to wonder when
someone comes and gets their allotment of free food and then uses her
smart phone to call a taxi. One young guy looked to have some issues,
but he had a designer backpack and a smart phone. Most of them smoke,
and at $10 a pack these days they probably spend more on cigarettes than
the average person spends on groceries.

On 5/18/2013 1:31 PM, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 18/05/2013 1:18 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> I have to agree with that. Oh sure, many years ago I'd pick up canned
>> food (there was no refrigerated or frozen food allowed at the time, they
>> didn't have facilities). Also household items. Toilet paper, anyone?.
>> I'd buy it at the grocery store to drop off at collection centers.
>
>
> My wife helps out with the food bank at her church once a month. Once in
> a while I help out.I can't get too excited about them. Some of them are
> needy cases. Most need to set their priorities, l have to wonder when
> someone comes and gets their allotment of free food and then uses her
> smart phone to call a taxi
(snippage)

There will always be users who abuse the system. I don't know of any
way to weed them out. I've seen plenty of people wearing tons of
"bling", fancy hair, etc. Sure, they have smart phones and paying with
food stamps (EBT card in the US). You tell me how to weed legitimate
needs cases from the folks who abuse the system, I'll cook you and your
wife breakfast.

Jill

On 5/18/2013 12:31 PM, Dave Smith wrote:

> My wife helps out with the food bank at her church once a month. Once in
> a while I help out.I can't get too excited about them. Some of them are
> needy cases. Most need to set their priorities, l have to wonder when
> someone comes and gets their allotment of free food and then uses her
> smart phone to call a taxi. One young guy looked to have some issues,
> but he had a designer backpack and a smart phone. Most of them smoke,
> and at $10 a pack these days they probably spend more on cigarettes than
> the average person spends on groceries.

The churches in our county, have Interfaith, every church in the county
contributes money to the cause and some of the church members donate
their time. If someone comes to the church needing help, they are sent
to Interfaith. They have a food bank, second-hand clothing, daycare for
people looking for jobs, classes in how to write a resume, counseling.
This keeps people from going to every church in town, asking for gas to
get home, money for food and diapers for the baby. You go to one place,
Interfaith.

Becca

On 20/05/2013 11:31 AM, Ema Nymton wrote:

> The churches in our county, have Interfaith, every church in the county
> contributes money to the cause and some of the church members donate
> their time. If someone comes to the church needing help, they are sent
> to Interfaith. They have a food bank, second-hand clothing, daycare for
> people looking for jobs, classes in how to write a resume, counseling.
> This keeps people from going to every church in town, asking for gas to
> get home, money for food and diapers for the baby. You go to one place,
> Interfaith.



Oh yeah... gas. Last month when I went with my wife to help out at the
food bank one of the first guys there tried to hit me up for $5 for gas
for his car because he had run out of gas on the way over. Hey
buddy.... you guys get my time to help them get you your free food.
Don't be trying to bum cash off me as well and if you ran out of gas on
the way over isn't it amazing that you still managed to be here for the
4 pm opening.

On 5/20/2013 11:47 AM, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 20/05/2013 11:31 AM, Ema Nymton wrote:
>
>> The churches in our county, have Interfaith, every church in the county
>> contributes money to the cause and some of the church members donate
>> their time. If someone comes to the church needing help, they are sent
>> to Interfaith. They have a food bank, second-hand clothing, daycare for
>> people looking for jobs, classes in how to write a resume, counseling.
>> This keeps people from going to every church in town, asking for gas to
>> get home, money for food and diapers for the baby. You go to one place,
>> Interfaith.
>
>
>
> Oh yeah... gas. Last month when I went with my wife to help out at the
> food bank one of the first guys there tried to hit me up for $5 for gas
> for his car because he had run out of gas on the way over. Hey
> buddy.... you guys get my time to help them get you your free food.
> Don't be trying to bum cash off me as well and if you ran out of gas on
> the way over isn't it amazing that you still managed to be here for the
> 4 pm opening.
>
You must have some really cruddy people going to your food bank. I'll
admit I haven't spent much time in one but I never saw what you're
describing. Complain to the food bank about it. It seems to me it is
up to them to chase off the malingerers who are trying to suck another
dime out of your pocket. Either that or call the police. That probably
wouldn't do any good.

Jill

On 5/20/2013 11:31 AM, Ema Nymton wrote:
>
> The churches in our county, have Interfaith, every church in the county
> contributes money to the cause and some of the church members donate
> their time. If someone comes to the church needing help, they are sent
> to Interfaith. They have a food bank, second-hand clothing, daycare for
> people looking for jobs, classes in how to write a resume, counseling.
> This keeps people from going to every church in town, asking for gas to
> get home, money for food and diapers for the baby. You go to one place,
> Interfaith.
>
> Becca
>
Interfaith sociaties are great. 30+ years ago I found myself in a real
financial bind. I couldn't pay my utility bill or afford much in
groceries. Yes, I was working but I still needed help.

Someone told me to contact the Jewish Community Center. I remember
saying I'm not Jewish and they said it doesn't matter. I called them.
They said bring in copies of your utility bills. They paid it. I'm
eternally grateful for their help. They also told me about the food bank.

After I dug myself out of that hole (read: got a divorce and paid off
his debts) I started donating to the JCC. Also to the food bank. I'm
more likely to give them money than buy things to put in a collection bin.

Jill

On 5/20/2013 10:57 AM, jmcquown wrote:

> Someone told me to contact the Jewish Community Center. I remember
> saying I'm not Jewish and they said it doesn't matter. I called them.
> They said bring in copies of your utility bills. They paid it. I'm
> eternally grateful for their help. They also told me about the food bank.
>
> After I dug myself out of that hole (read: got a divorce and paid off
> his debts) I started donating to the JCC. Also to the food bank. I'm
> more likely to give them money than buy things to put in a collection bin.
>
> Jill

You were in a rough patch, but you fought your way out of it, good for
you. So glad they were able to help you. Jill, there is a difference
between you, who truly needed help, and drug addicts looking for cash.

Becca