In Giving We Receive

By Jennifer Poncin

I have been helping at Clare House for almost a year.  I moved to Bloomington/Normal 3 years ago and was looking for a place where I could help others; back home, there was a local school that put on a Thanksgiving dinner for the hungry in the area, and when we moved here, I had trouble finding a place to help out that was truly in need.  There are a lot of opportunities to give in the B/N community and the fact that many places have plenty of help speaks volumes of the people who live and serve here.  But I found that Clare House had a specific need for people who could help at times I was available, and I started coming regularly to pass food out the door.  I love seeing the gratitude on the faces of those we serve, and I love that I've been able to bring my kids to help as well.  My youngest boy has come to pass out diapers, and my middle school daughter spent her summer vacation working at the soup kitchen.  It is truly rewarding work, and it's an opportunity for me to give in a way that I can; with 5 kids and one income, we can't afford to give financially, but it's nice to know that my time is appreciated just as much as if I were to make a monetary donation. 
     Seeing the efficient way that Clare House is run is impressive.  Every little thing is given away, no matter how small.  And the people I work with are pretty amazing; you never knew people who were such joyful givers of themselves!  I'm very fortunate to be involved with this organization.