The following story was written by Suburban Rotary Club member Bob Bosco. In mid-December he asked club members as part of their commitment to community service to bring in adult men’s and women’s gloves and scarfs for him to distribute through the Holy Family Community Center. Bags of these accessories were donated by club members. Below you will find Bosco’s personal reflection on giving these items to the needy.
HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY CENTER
The Coffee Garage “Hope for the Poor”
- reflections on one day - by Bob Bosco
The Coffee Garage “Hope for the Poor”
- reflections on one day - by Bob Bosco
Today was an especially cold day at the Coffee Garage. It hovered around 32 degrees as the sun disappeared and re-appeared throughout the gray morning.
The youthful ‘troops’ from the Newman Center at UNO were there … John, Bridget and various other nice folks. After our group prayer, when the garage door finally lifted, two lines of cold people desiring hot coffee, cocoa, or oatmeal were more than ready to be served.
The youthful ‘troops’ from the Newman Center at UNO were there … John, Bridget and various other nice folks. After our group prayer, when the garage door finally lifted, two lines of cold people desiring hot coffee, cocoa, or oatmeal were more than ready to be served.
In the beginning, I recognized Amanda from two weeks ago. She had foot sores that needed attention at that time. This time, surprisingly, she was in line wearing a short sleeve shirt.
In the next instant Danny, who created the Coffee Garage, was slipping a winter coat over her shoulders. When she reached our coffee table, I noticed her exposed hands. We discussed it, then I fumbled around in the back for some winter gloves. After one pair of misfits, we found a pair that fit her well. Then off she went in relative warmth inside and out, for now.
In the next instant Danny, who created the Coffee Garage, was slipping a winter coat over her shoulders. When she reached our coffee table, I noticed her exposed hands. We discussed it, then I fumbled around in the back for some winter gloves. After one pair of misfits, we found a pair that fit her well. Then off she went in relative warmth inside and out, for now.
Soon there was another gentleman whose name I hadn’t learned yet. His bare hands beckoned. First, I brought a pair to him, medium in size and weight. He requested that we insert his hands together, when I noticed that his left hand was quite limp - there was little strength. After failing to give his limbs a winter home, I dashed off to get a larger, heavier pair. Soon we had both of his hands safely encased The fingers of his left hand were curled inside, since they weren’t strong enough to utilize the individual finger sleeves. He too left a tad more protected from the elements.
Then Derek arrived for both coffee and oatmeal. After he was served we got him a stocking cap for his bald head and a scarf for his exposed neck, as well as a pair of winter gloves. While fishing through the big box of winter apparel, I wasn’t even sure there were any scarfs, so when I saw this bright purple one I decided that would be it.
Upon presenting him with the scarf, we agreed- I should have the honor of wrapping his neck with it, since his hands were full. So I put it on him, then spontaneously asked another person to take our picture. Derek and I agreed that purple was his color because it is a high energy color that he may enjoy. He moved on - with a soft smile.
This was a day of a number of ‘hands-on’ encounters. Personally, I appreciated these opportunities because it amplified the very real and intimate humanity of these individuals - who happen to be people of the street. Somehow, now I understand that I am just one human being available to other human beings, simply because I can be.
I mentioned that every Friday, when I am present, there are a group of college students from UNO that belong to the Newman Center. John, has been very regular and is especially helpful in the preparation and serving of our oatmeal offerings, along with any requested extras.
I learned about his academic life just a bit, as he explained that he valets cars downtown on weekends to help with school expenses. Our recent local one day ice storm resulted in a bit of a fender bender during his job. Though he was being totally responsible, mother nature’s ways had complicated his evening. But he got through it with little consequence and I got to learn a little more about how he navigates his life inside and outside of academia.
While talking with John, I thought of the hundreds of students whose paths crossed mine during fifty years of university teaching and this renewed their residence in my heart.
Between these people that serve and those we serve, I connect with a grand cross section of humanity. My life experiences are expanded, while I impact others … and for that I am grateful.
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