Love Is a Force
By Susan Segall, Donor Relations Manager
Dr. Cornel West has said that “justice is what love looks like in public.” From my vantage point as part of Ballard Food Bank’s fundraising team, I have the privilege of seeing this sentiment up close, as our donors demonstrate through their generosity that access to food is a human right, and that loving our neighbors is a transformative act. Such powerful loving kindness brings immense joy to those who give. And it ensures that our market shelves and home delivery bags are filled with healthy groceries, that community is nurtured over delicious, nourishing meals, and that a variety of other essential needs are supported through the compassion and skill of our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Even the produce represents the love we see throughout the food bank!
Love glows brightly each time a guest finds a warm welcome and new resources, or a child goes to bed with a full belly. It glows brightly in our commitment to stand with each other, especially in the tough times, because that’s what good neighbors do.
Yet I am deeply moved by another kind of love that our donors demonstrate as well.
We see many gifts that are prompted by personal respect, appreciation and delight. One donor’s gift celebrated a special 77-year friendship. Others are given in honor of a beloved spouse or partner. I’ve also been touched by gifts made in honor of a colleague’s decade of service, a food bank staffer’s support of a client, a child’s graduation, a grandchild’s birthday, and a nurse’s skilled care.
Other gifts are prompted by grief and the wish to carry a loved one’s legacy forward. One couple’s gifts are made in loving memory of a son who found care and community at Ballard Food Bank. Each year, a mother honors the memory of her late daughter who volunteered with us. Another’s gift came in memory of a mother who recently passed. We’ve seen gifts made in memory of dearly regarded friends, neighbors and co-workers, and even in remembrance of furry family members.
All gifts made in honor or in memory of a loved one bring real pleasure to the giver, and to those (or the family members of those) so honored.
On this Valentines Day it’s uplifting to reflect on the ways that personal and universal love are intertwined. And inspiring for all of us committed to Ballard Food Bank’s lifesaving mission. Truly, love is a force that transcends differences, affirms our humanity, and brings goodness to our shared community. I am so grateful to be part of a community filled with all-encompassing love!
