Community Corner
Complete Turkey Dinners Help Families on Financial Tightrope
Community heroes, like John Riemer, help lighten the burden of those in need during the holidays
PUYALLUP, WA — “My Dad passed away last year, but he had always said, “Help others.” Even as a kid we did not have much but, my parents made sure all ate that was hungry.”
John Riemer, and his wife Jennifer, reached out to members of their South Hill community last Sunday night, offering to give away complete turkey dinners to families in the area that might be struggling. “We have been there,” he said, “and know what these next two months mean. It’s hard.”
According to the Washington statewide ALICE Update Report (United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), “28% of households in Washington are now on a financial tightrope – and in Pierce County 31% are struggling.”
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Families in nearly every community, and among all ages, races, and ethnicities, are having to learn to go without; sacrificing more than just a few of life’s necessities to make ends meet. Many of these families are employed and hardworking, but still face great difficulty affording basic housing, food, childcare, health care and transportation.
Holidays can be especially tough when, despite best efforts, money remains tight and resources are limited.
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Fortunately, through the inspiring example of community heroes, like John, gifts of service, love, and heartfelt kindness are extended to neighbors in need. For these families, the hardship of providing a nice meal for their loved ones, is met with a little less worry, and a little more peace of mind.
“We like helping people in the community that might be going through hard times,” John says, “They should be able to cook a holiday dinner for their family. It’s just the right thing to do.”
Imagine the unity and strength that would come into the hearts and homes of those within our communities, if we each followed John’s lead: to look beyond ourselves, give more freely, and reach out and bless the lives of those around us.
“Always do a good deed - one or more every day. The rewards you give forward, come back to you bigger and better.” - John R. *For more inspirational stories of goodness, follow us on Facebook, at South Hill Community.