One Hot Cup of Coffee can Save a Life
Posted: Monday, January 22, 2007
by Mara Fonseca
Do you have change for a cup of coffee?
Bundled up in warm jackets, scarves, and hats,
Without a moment’s hesitation, we raised him up and took him to a coffee house just a block away and treated him to a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich. With tears of gratitude, he shared with us that this was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for him and that it will keep him warm until the morning.
As I write this simple story, tears are flowing down my face. How is it that in one of the most powerful and wealthy nations in the world, we have thousands of homeless people? In my small community alone, more than twenty-five homeless men and women died this past year due to overexposure in the freezing winter nights.
Reflecting on my experience this past weekend, I knew exactly what I would do if I had $100 to make this world a better place. When my father and I treated the elderly man to a hot cup of coffee and sandwich, it only cost us $3.33. My father realized that he could purchase coffee and sandwiches for thirty homeless people, and it would only cost him $99.99.
Not wanting to read about another homeless man or woman who has died in our community due to trying to survive another near-freezing night on the streets, my father, who had $100 in his pocket, purchased hot coffee and sandwiches and distributed them to thirty homeless men and women in our downtown area last night. If my father kept one person warm and alive, he will be pleased.
What would I do if I won $100 to make this world a better place? I would join my father by also purchasing thirty simple cups of hot coffee and sandwiches to make the world a better place for another thirty homeless people in my community. If I can save one more life, I will be pleased.
Do you have change for a cup of coffee? One hot cup of coffee can save a life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)In searching for information on an organization called "Freezing Nights," I came across this article which I believe comes from the Monterey area of CA. Volunteers from a handful of churches in Puyallup WA, less than 10 miles east of Tacoma, have been feeding, housing, clothing, & tending to the needs of the homeless population in our community for the last 2 years. We do this on nights when the temperature gets down to 35 degrees, "feels like" temperature. I'm one of the site coordinators & would very much like to know if we're part of a national program and/or what other communities are doing so we can continue to be successful in helping without unduly causing major stress for our caring volunteers & their families.
Dear Annette: Thank you for your comment and question. My father and I did this from our hearts and not as part of any secular or non-secular organization(s). We saw the need and followed our hearts in finding a simple "on the spot" solution. I truly believe that all it takes is one moment to make a difference in someone's life. Your efforts in coordinating efforts to help the homeless is wonderful and is to be commended. I wish I could say that I was part of a program or organization to offer you some assistance or guidance. I am only an ordinary woman and citizen who saw a need and tried my best to serve. Thank you again for your question, and may you continue to bless the lives of others with your service to humanity. Blessings, Mara
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