Approximately 30 people attended The Gathering: Gratitude and Goodness. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director, C’YA

On Monday night, a gathering of charitable deeds took place at the United Church of Los Alamos. A collaboration with the Los Alamos Jewish Center to emphasize gratitude and goodness was held to fill the well and feed the soul.

Approximately 30 people banded together to learn about Mazon, A Jewish Response to Hunger. The goal was to gather 250 postcards of support to feed the poor. This year, the number 250 is representative of the 250-year celebration of the United States of America. In comparison, this 250 will represent 250,000 people that don’t have sufficient access to food.

Mazon has established a project to educate and represent the people in the US that struggle with food insufficiency. They work with others to end hunger for people of all faiths. The Hunger Museum (THM), is a virtual tour of hunger in America. It would make a great classroom lesson or discussion. It illustrates how at one time the US had only 3% of people in need of food. It then contrasts what is called, “the Unmaking of a Great Society.” According to the USDA, in 2024 13.5% of Americans were food insecure.

This gathering wasn’t a political statement, it wasn’t about education or income, it just demonstrated need. There’s no pitch for a donation just a wish is that we all do what we can, to help where we can, and as often as we can, as is necessary. Together We Thrive, Together We Rise.

If you would like resources of the Free, little food pantries where one can get food in our community, email cya.org@att.net, text 505.695.9139, or check our Facebook page.

Reverand David Elton and Rabbi Jack Schlacter led those in attendance in inspirational thoughts and deeds and a project to support hunger. Their efforts were rewarded with food brought by all. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen