The week rolls along and is now half over, with today being Day 105. The cool weather was a lovely break from the past two days and what appears to be coming next week. Even the rain this morning was fine. This day was quite smooth and easy, as days go. Everything clicked and flowed nicely. Lots of deliveries coming in this morning and a steady flow of families all afternoon.

Groceries today came in from Bellevue Presbyterian, Highland Covenant, Bellevue Christian Reformed, and St. Louise churches, as well as the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 135 orders came in and all went out to families today. An additional 12 orders went out to families as food boxes. Thank you to everyone who participated today. Such a great day!

The food truck is here tonight, Delfino’s Deep Dish Chicago-Style Pizza, until 7pm.

Come if you can!

Thank you, BelPres, for sponsoring it for families.

Today was the last day for personal hygiene items to be offered this week.

Thank you to everyone who helped fill the pantry.

The lobby has now been totally flipped to be ready for tomorrow. Diapers are only offered Thu-Sat, so they are piled high, after being absent this week. Bins of bulk ingredients are also staged. Looks great!

Fresh produce from the Master Gardener in Lake Hills came again today with a lovely array of freshly harvested vegetables. Wow! So beautiful and smelling like the earth. We used them today for vegetarian families, who were very happy. Thank you, Wendy and crew!

An email from a family:

I would like to thank you, everyone, at Jubilee REACH, the partners and organizations, and people providing the groceries and personal items for my family. Receiving the food especially the meat, milk, and bread has been a blessing. Receiving diapers, dish soap, hand soap, and many other items are also a blessing and greatly appreciated. Receiving these staple items weekly has helped us more then you will ever know. May God bless each of you for your time and generosity. Thank you!

An update from Ken:

The wife whose husband receiving treatment for a brain tumor was here today and provided an update. She said that he finished radiation yesterday and will be continuing chemotherapy through August 20th. The doctor is happy with the progress. The worst side effect is with her husband’s speech, which is somehow impaired. He is embarrassed and not willing to talk to people in public. She said it is worse because he previously was a very articulate speaker and used his creative speech regularly. Their daughter has her 16th birthday this Saturday, so they are excited.

A personal update from Ken

Some of you who know me personally will know my wife, Lisa, went through a small bout of colon cancer two summers ago. It turned out to not be serious, but she did have 9” of her colon removed. Yesterday was her annual scan, and today the doctor gave her the good news there are no signs of anything amiss. While this is certainly good news, she was very aware of the people in the clinic with her yesterday who is clearly going through serious challenges. Her heart broke for them. So, we celebrate but know many others fight on.

Thank you for a wonderful day. The sun is shining as this email goes out, and families are showing up for pizza outside the window.

Blessings to you all,

Ken Carpenter
Service Coordinator, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families: Week 18 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 18 - Day 4

Groceries for Families: Week 18 - Day 2