Last week The Herald ran an article by Riley Haun about the cold weather shelters in the area. The one at Bethlehem Lutheran in Marysville was asking for some items that I had on hand so I contacted them and took a 15-mile drive there to donate them. “Donate” is a little strong since it was more like “getting rid of.” But my little bit of effort benefited the shelter as well as increasing my cupboard space.
I didn’t expect the other benefits I would get from meeting Nathan Ray, the coordinator at the shelter. Nor did I expect to benefit as I did from talking with a couple of the clients and volunteers. These people who work in these shelters — whether for pay or voluntarily — are amazing. They have to wash all the linens on the beds — including blankets — each morning. Three of them spend the night in the shelter. They spell each other staying awake to supervise and reassure clients, making sure no one is threatened and everyone has what they need. They also cook and serve a hot, filling dinner.
I was humbled and happy at the same time to witness the devotion and kindness of these great people. I recommend we all take such a trip to a shelter or another agency helping our unsheltered neighbors.
Janice Cecotti
Bothell
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