I have been waiting for the opportunity to volunteer with Pinky. She’s finally at that age where she can understand why volunteering is important. We’ve talked about helping others, being kind to others and the importance of showing love to friends and family. I think learning that giving back to others we don’t know might be a new concept for her, although I don’t think it will be hard to grasp, she has a big heart.
What might be difficult is understanding why some people need more help than others. Earlier this year we took Pinky on a mommy-daddy-daughter date to watch Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Daddy thought she was ready to experience Extraordinary Desserts, but driving passed the homeless community scared her a little so we just went home. She had many questions about their families and why they were sleeping on the streets. We did our best to answer her questions, but eventually let her lay her head to rest and decided to save the conversation for another time.
Now might be a good time to start that conversation up again. Especially since I’ve signed us up to volunteer for Empty Bowls for TACO!
What is TACO?
A friend of mine introduced me to Third Avenue Charitable Organization, or TACO for short. Sorry, we aren’t taking about taco Tuesday here.
TACO is a social ministry born out of First Lutheran Church, it provides a safe and welcoming place where healing of mind, body, and spirit can happen for any and all who come. In operation every week of the year, it welcomes all people in need, regardless of religion, for free meals, medical and dental care, and mental health services. You can imagine how many homeless people come each week to take advantage of these services. In addition to this weekly service, they host several events (i.e. fundraisers, silent auctions, etc) throughout the year to help people in need.
The next event is happening in May. Check out the details below. It’s quite a cool concept.
Empty Bowls for TACO Event Details
Empty Bowls is an international organization that is dedicated to fighting hunger. They partner with TACO each year to help raise funds for their cause. Beautiful bowls are made and donated by local artisan potters while local chefs and restaurants from all over San Diego donate their time and delicious soup to fill the bowls. Again, funds made from this event will go towards TACO’s mission to serve the homeless community and those less fortunate.
If you’re passionate about fighting hunger in our town and would like to volunteer contact Michelle Steuber at msteuber@tacosd.org
I think this will be a great first experience for Pinky and I. As well as a safe place for us to talk about how there are a million ways we can help others in need. I hope you’ll join us.
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016
Where: La Jolla United Methodist Church
6063 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Suggested Donation: $20 per bowl
Photo credit: Third Avenue Charitable Organization