Ground Has Been Broken!

After too few hours of sleep I climbed out of bed this gloomy Saturday morning to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility of Open Arms of Minnesota. Open Arms prepares and delivers meals to those living with HIV, breast cancer, ALS and MS. With of client base of 500, they perform a miracle not unlike the 'loaves and fishes' of the bible, preparing and delivering thousands of meals every week.

I started volunteering at Open Arms about two years ago when a friend of mine who is HIV positive suggested it was a good place to volunteer, and I had been looking for an opportunity to volunteer within the GLBT community. I was immediately struck by the caring and dedication not only of the Open Arms staff, but also of the countless volunteers who give of their time preparing and delivering an endless stream of nutritious food. And they perform this miraculous task in a building which is now stretched beyond it's original capacity.

I am often frustrated that HIV has become the forgotten disease. While it's true that HIV positive people live longer and healthier lives, it comes at a terrible financial cost. The escalating cost of medical care and presciptions eat away at the meager budgets of those with HIV, leaving them with less money for basic necessities like food. But there's another face to living with HIV; the isolation, the loneliness and the stigma of the disease. When an Open Arms volunteer shows up at your door with two sacks of food and a smile, it can do more to heal a soul than any pill or doctor.

While I can't say I am the most dedicated volunteer at Open Arms, I can say with modest certainty that I am their most grateful volunteer. I cannot imagine living in the Twin Cities without such an organization that is dedicated day in and day out to alleviating the suffering of those with HIV, breast cancer, ALS and MS. We are truly blessed to be in their company.

And now for the hard financial reality. Open Arms needs $2.5 million additional dollars to help build a new facility that will serve their ever growing client base, from now and into the future. The need is great and sadly, the need is growing. To donate to this worthwhile cause, click on the Open Arms logo and you will be directed to their website. If you can't give from your pocketbook, I urge you to give of your time. Volunteer drivers and food preparers are always needed, 7 days a week 12 hours a day. Help Open Arms achieve their dream where no one who is sick will go hungry.