As I reflect back on 2020, I think about the many lessons learned and truths that, for me, were reaffirmed.
Truth – Necessity is the mother of invention. Yes, it is a cliché. Regardless, I marveled at the ingenuity of others this year. Some ventured into mask making. Others manufactured life-saving equipment. Curbside service became the order of the day – and Circle followed suit. We delivered groceries curbside and curtailed large events like Back to School, our annual Thanksgiving Basket distribution and our ever-growing Holiday Adoption event.
Gift cards saved the day, allowing us to help families with school supplies, kid-friendly foods and even holiday gifts, and our clients accepted these with awe, never expecting to receive such gifts.
Truth – Regardless of socioeconomic standing, our life circumstances can change in an instant, so be kind. The 2020 pandemic was a ruthless foe, taking from too many of us our employment, savings, businesses, our sense of security – and even loved ones. Some communities suffered these losses even more; hourly workers, black and brown people, the elderly and small business owners experienced unprecedented losses. Let’s recognize that we don’t always know the circumstances of another, and that in some ways, our own circumstances can be as precarious as theirs. Let’s be kind. Then let’s go beyond pleasantries and look for impactful ways to help, heal and champion one another.
Truth – There is such good in this world. Despite the personal and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to area families and businesses, our community stepped up in big, big ways. Here at Circle, donations of food and funds spiked like never before as so many decided to put others first.
Corporate funders increased their giving or sent their annual gifts early. Individual donors contributed their federal stimulus dollars, saying, “There are others who need this more than me.” Some donated gift cards from area restaurants – doubling the impact of their giving. When the postal service cancelled their annual Letter Carriers Food Drive (a large drive for Circle), one of our church supporters organized a “Hope Wins” drive-through food drive drawing hundreds of cars, packed to the brim with food, personal care items and diapers.
When we dramatically adapted the way we operate, it meant fewer volunteers on smaller work teams. Most of our volunteers have stayed home, and we’ve missed them. Those who were able to serve masked up and jumped in, taking on new tasks and often working more shifts and longer hours.
We hate that “client choice” has had to go by the wayside for now and that clients must receive what we pre-bag for them. Our families have quickly adapted to our new curbside model, though, so grateful for support during this time and overwhelmed by the goodness of others. I remember the story of one woman who, with tears in her eyes, said, “It’s so much! It’s so much!” Another wanted to know, “Can I bring your team anything?” A few days ago, a client brought a basket of seed packets harvested from her own garden – each packet penned with encouraging words, like “Marigold Seeds. Where flowers bloom, hope grows also. God bless you.” She asked us to share these with volunteers and staff.
The year, without question, has been bittersweet. There were great losses, but the goodness of so many pushed us forward. We know that better days are on the horizon, and we look forward to the day when we can extend a hand or our arms and say with a smile, “Bring it in!” We will never take these simple gestures for granted again.
