2020 was one of the most unexpected, tumultuous years we will ever experience in our lifetime. At least I hope so. For many of us, it was a chance to reevaluate our priorities. Time seemed to stall. Life hung in the balance. We had to really sit and take each day as it came.
For the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, it never slowed down. At a time when 1 in 4 people in Los Angeles County didn’t know where their next meal would come from, it’s work was essential.
But what’s less talked about is the altruistic nature in everyone impacted by the food bank. This selfless nature is infectious, and constantly spreading.
The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is so much more than just a place for resources. It aims to teach people life lessons and the importance of being a good human. Two things that can be lost in the context of our everyday lives.
Bricia Montano is a volunteer for Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, a partner of the foodbank. Her husband is an essential worker, and they have three sons, two with a form of down syndrome. They live in a two-bedroom apartment across from the food pantry where she volunteers, and also receives assistance. On top of that, she constantly refers people who need assistance to the food bank.
Takao is a third-grade student in South Pasadena who was moved to help those less fortunate than him after seeing an ad on television about homelessness. He decided to do something about it. Every Sunday, he picks up trash and his dad pays him for his efforts. He researched an organization, chose the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, and has chosen to donate his money to this organization.
These are two stories of individuals who have made it a point to help those less fortunate. Not because they had to. But because they were inspired to.
Once again, altruism.
As we move forward in 2021, the food bank continues to feed Los Angeles County and help those in need. Organizations like these are hard to come by. Its selfless nature should be an inspiration to us all.
This last year showed us not to take a single day for granted. So, I encourage you to live each day to the fullest. Do what makes you happy. Give to those less fortunate. And love everyone. Let’s all try to be better than we were before and make the world a better place.
Let’s all aim to be more altruistic.
Caleb Michael 