On January 18th, why not make this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday more meaningful for yourself and others? Join with We Feed Our People to provide a nutritious meal and warm clothing to homeless people in the nation’s capitol as a way to keep the spirit of this great leader alive.
Here’s a little background on We Feed Our People (WFOP) with a surprise ending:
When WFOP was first launched in 1988, programs that provided food for the homeless, including most shelters, did not provide meals on Sundays and holidays. As a result, the MLK Holiday would harm those that he dedicated the last days of his life attempting to help: poor people. Originally, the WFOP effort involved three students donating the money they would receive for the paid holiday to prepare and serve a meal to the 12-15 people who lived in the park next to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, DC.
As these students shared this idea with family and friends, the desire to be a part and to contribute began to grow. Volunteers came by the dozens with freshly-cooked meals and warm clothes. The simple idea of three students cooking food in their homes for 12-15 homeless people turned into an event that provided meals and warm clothing for over 400 people and had the support of nearly 100 volunteers. This was all accomplished within one week of the inception of the idea.
Here’s the surprise: those three students were Walter McGill, my sister Marya McQuirter, and me! Together with our family and friends, we were inspired to make it happen.
Now, two decades later, WFOP has grown into a local institution, providing an opportunity for hundreds of people each year to serve and fellowship with the increasing numbers of homeless people living in the nation’s capital. WFOP is still an all-volunteer organization and 100% of donations go directly to supporting the annual event.
To donate your time and funds, check out WFOP at wefeedourpeople.org and Facebook. There are lots of ways to help in the days leading up to, during, and after the event. Thank you and I hope to see many of you there!
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