Our church takes turns with other churches and organizations serving at the Community Kitchen in Mason City. I decided to help out this month and asked Reed to go with me. He’s a good worker!
Glen and Terri also volunteered – they had done this in the past so they told us what to do.
Everyone should perform community service for those who need a helping hand.
We served 40-50 people. This was a good life lesson for both Reed and me.
It must be so rewarding to help meet the needs of others as you serve in the kitchen. May you be blessed by your time together in rich fellowship and enjoyment with others.
Mary,
I have never commented before but I have to tell you that you are such an inspiration. Reed is very lucky to have you as his friend – if only more children could have the life experiences that Reed gets with you, the world would be a better place. The farm, all your animals, quilting, church and you still are able to take time out and spend it with Reed. You are amazing.
I visited your shop years ago on Flag Day and have thoroughly enjoyed your posts through the years – I have cried inside at the loss of your pets as I am an animal lover too.
Keep posting – I look forward to reading them!
That’s wonderful. Reed is certainly learning alot from you!
Reed’s parents have certainly raised him right and your influence is wonderful for him. I appreciate the books you recommend now and then. I am picking up “The Great Alone” at the library today! Have a wonderful day!!
Linette – I hope you like The Great Alone!
Reed has a wonderful example to follow.
I volunteer to teach quilting in our local jail once a week. What an education! I’m not sure who enjoys it more, them or me.
Jo – are there sewing machines available at the jail? Just curious
Yes, we have sewing machines as long as they work. Usually I have to bring at least one home for repair. They have rotary cutters and mats! Are limited on the number of scissors, pins, needles. When I’m there they get more equipment, but we have to return it to the sheriff when I leave.
It’s exciting when I come, they are so proud of their work. Show and tell is electric.
When I hear statements from them, “ when I get out, I’m going to quilt all the time. Now I have something to do when I get out. My sister wants me to teach her how to quilt.” I could go on and on.
This is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever done. I love sharing my quilting talents, but this is beyond love. You know what I’m trying to say.
Jo
It’s wonderful what you’re doing at the jail – it’s a great idea! I’m going to take my machine to Concord and do some simple mending jobs for the residents – no zippers however!
I love reading your blog. Your are inspirational! We live in Santa Rosa, CA and last October lost our house in the firestorms that raged here. We are in a little rental for a couple of years. It’s very difficult to put our lives back together and try to rebuild. We lost so much…especially all of the items that have been handed down from grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. I always read your blog first when I see that you have a new email on my phone. I love the pictures of what life is like on a farm in the midwest. (I’m an animal lover too.) It makes me feel good inside. I look forward to each one so thank you sooooo much!
Sandi McGuire
You & Reed are the sweetest!! We all need to give back !
How lucky Reed is to have you in his life.
Yea for you and Reed!!!!! Job well done………….
That’s wonderful and it is in his hometown. Great!! One of the best things I ever did was to take our two kids as teens to help renovate housing for the homeless right here in Ohio. We also worked in a soup kitchen in the evenings after working on the housing. Reed will remember it his whole life.
He’s lucky to have you, Mary and vice versa😃😃
A big thank you, Mary! And to Reed and the other volunteers. A good outing for fellowship as well. Children learn by the nice examples adults share.
What a great kid! Such a good soul.
We have a wonderful class at church and are involved in several charity/community service projects. We serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald house once a month and cook pretty much the entire meal from scratch. It’s tiring but we love doing it. We also collect food and toiletries to take to the two local school districts here for their homeless students and families among other activities. We love to do it!
Reed is lucky to have an adult friend to spend time with. He’s getting lessons from you that he will remember all his life.
I’m not sure who Reed is. I see you sewing and doing chores with him
You all are learning so much from each other. You are a special friend. Paula in KY
I also take my 18 year old grandson to community meals at our church
He enjoys talking with those who come and helps deliver meals to shut ins
Thanks for your inspiration and all you do in the
quilt world, too.
Doesn’t it make your heart happy?
Excellent life lesson for any age!!
Good for all of you! It’s been a long while since I have done any volunteering but I am now inspired by you and will contact the locals here to lend a helping hand. Thanks for posting the pictures.
I was just looking through the other comments and would like to get in touch with Sandi McGuire in Santa Rosa…I used to live in Sebastopol and then in Santa Rosa . I know of the fire and the havoc it wreaked. I have tons of quilting stuff that I would like for her to have if she is a quilter. Books, patterns, fabric. If she is reading your blog, she might be a quilter. That’s how I found you – is there any way i can contact her through your blog? Diane Matthews
Mary, you and Reed are a blessing to each other and to those who come in contsct with you. God bless you both. I do a little bit of volunteering and I really enjoy it.
Awesome!