I came across this article on social media regarding “giving during the holidays.”
“I want my kids to learn to be thankful for what they have.” one woman said, “I figured if they saw all these people without, they might learn their lesson.”
“My wife and I have been very blessed and we need a reminder of how bad things can be.” another left as a voicemail.
As the calls continued on, it became clear that many of these folks weren’t thinking about the clients we served, rather their own particular interest. They essentially wanted to use the holidays as a poverty zoo. A type of tourism where they could go and observe disparity from behind the safe space of a serving line and then leave feeling better about their circumstances. This isn’t a blanket judgment either, this were their own words.
It is a thoughtful read. I highly recommend it.
