Yesterday, I went to work out at the recreation center, a gathering place for retired, part-timers and contractors who don't mind getting up super early to exercise. On the way there, I drove past a local church that offers a food pantry service. I paid special attention to the line of cars this time because unlike on previous days, the line of cars filled the parking lot. The church is standing in the gap for the local community, many of whom have lost jobs or who were already in need and have lost access to food banks that have closed.
I used to attend church regularly for most of my life. I was encouraged to pay tithes, so I contributed to the financial coffers of the churches I attended. Just as I am fine with paying taxes that support programs for children and adults in need---education, nutrition, medical care and housing---I was thankful to be able to pay tithes at church, and also donate money, time or food to other organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Haven of Rest and the local Food Bank.
