On a Saturday in May, I joined volunteers Kevin, Susan, Mark and Lu to welcome our neighbors to Saturday showers. The ones who came enjoyed fresh coffee as they waited their turn on the “first come, first served” shower list that Mark kept updated.
The waiting area, a hallway, has a long pew with chairs added so everyone can be comfortable. Above the pew, is a beautiful new wall mural that says: “This is the day the LORD had made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Tiny, an expert barber, revved up the clippers and gave haircuts to the men and women who wanted a trim while he waited his turn for a shower.
The shower area has hot water as well as soap, shampoo and conditioner in dispensers. Each neighbor is provided a clean facecloth and bath towel. We set the timer for 20 minutes. This Saturday, quite a few folks finished their showers in less time, much to the volunteers’ delight.
All told, the day’s accomplishments were 17 showers, 6 shaves, 6 haircuts, as well as 15 gently used tee shirts and several pairs of socks gifted.
How did the volunteers view the experience? One opined that hearts and souls were cleansed as well as bodies. Another said: I’m not doing it for me, but for them. All the volunteers were satisfied that it had been another successful Saturday outreach to the least of these.
Eleanor Wright