AUBURN - Through their work giving support to local migrant workers, two local women said their experience has helped them to show people that working out of generosity does not always have to have a financial benefit to be rewarding.
“To be generous doesn't mean just giving money, it means giving from the heart or doing something for somebody else,” said Debbie Patrick during a Lent lecture event at the Scipioville Presbyterian Church Sunday night. “Generosity doesn't have a price tag. It's that feeling you have inside yourself or that recognition that you made a difference in someone's life. I can't say that's not a reward.”
Patrick, of Scipio, and King Ferry resident Gay Phalts, both said their efforts through the Good Shepherd Catholic Community in addition to the contributions of other community members have help to give food and clothing to migrant workers when they move to the area for summer employment.
Their efforts also help to provide community activities for the workers when they are not on the clock.
“Down time at the camp can be unproductive and it can lead to alcoholism,” Patrick said. “I am a little bit concerned about leaving people all day with nothing to do.”
To help provide activities for the migrant workers, Patrick said she has provided a TV, a DVD player and movies to the camp in addition to various games to keep people occupied if they get bored of watching movies.
Through one of the games, which is similar to Bingo, the participants get a chance to win food to help supplement their groceries while spending time with their families.
“This way it's a prize, not a handout,” Patrick said. “We try to do it so everyone wins and leaves with something.”
Kathy Strickland, of Union Springs, said the event reminded her that it is important to contribute more than just money to the community.
“I have been occasionally involved with the migrant camp in the past and I want to be more involved and look for other ways to be generous as well now,” Strickland said. “(The speakers) reminded me that as a Christian, that is why I am here, to be generous.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Patrick, of Scipio, and King Ferry resident Gay Phalts, both said their efforts through the Good Shepherd Catholic Community in addition to the contributions of other community members have help to give food and clothing to migrant workers when they move to the area for summer employment.
Their efforts also help to provide community activities for the workers when they are not on the clock.
“Down time at the camp can be unproductive and it can lead to alcoholism,” Patrick said. “I am a little bit concerned about leaving people all day with nothing to do.”
To help provide activities for the migrant workers, Patrick said she has provided a TV, a DVD player and movies to the camp in addition to various games to keep people occupied if they get bored of watching movies.
Through one of the games, which is similar to Bingo, the participants get a chance to win food to help supplement their groceries while spending time with their families.
“This way it's a prize, not a handout,” Patrick said. “We try to do it so everyone wins and leaves with something.”
Kathy Strickland, of Union Springs, said the event reminded her that it is important to contribute more than just money to the community.
“I have been occasionally involved with the migrant camp in the past and I want to be more involved and look for other ways to be generous as well now,” Strickland said. “(The speakers) reminded me that as a Christian, that is why I am here, to be generous.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Citizen
Hot Jobs
Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.