Our volunteers organized a large-scale Christmas food drive in Pécs at the city’s homeless shelters on December 24, 25, and 26.
The scent of gingerbread fills the room; amid the gentle warmth, children’s chatter can be heard, and soft music plays. By the window stands a lush green fir tree, brimming with excitement—the sweet sound of bells, colorful ribbons, walnuts, and Christmas candies. Mom is cooking in the kitchen, and as soon as she’s done, she slips out of her apron and steps into the room, her face rosy, like a ripe apple. She glances at Dad, their smiles meet, and the two little ones watch, spellbound, their gazes weaving their hearts into a wreath. We are together, safe. Through the frosty window, a pair of eyes watches; their gaze is quiet, a flickering candlelight. They pull their tattered coat tighter; between their wrinkled, swollen fingers, the plastic bag shifts awkwardly…. Two figures trudge along the icy road… Once, they too had… The hopelessness of their steps leaves invisible traces on the stones… where are they headed… are they still… there…
According to surveys by the Menhely Foundation, the number of homeless people has not been this exceptionally high in 16 years. Recent data show that the number of homeless people in rural areas of Hungary is significantly higher than in the capital. Due to the economic crisis, unemployment, predatory bank loans, and numerous other factors, more and more people are becoming homeless. For these people, a single hot meal a day can mean the difference between life and death.
Our foundation’s team of volunteers in Pécs held a holiday food drive on December 24, 25, and 26 for the city’s people in need. The target audience for this year’s Christmas food distribution was the city’s homeless population, to whom we distributed more than 250 meals.
The program was preceded by many, many hours of enthusiastic preparation; we received numerous donations from our foundation’s headquarters in Budapest, and our initiative was also met with tremendous support from the local community.
The meal turned out absolutely heavenly; the main course was an Indian vegetable stew with green peas, enriched with cubes of homemade cheese made from fresh milk, and we served rice as a side dish; followed by a delicious halava dessert, and we seasoned the whole meal with hot ginger tea. Along with the hot meal, everyone received fruit (apples, kiwis, oranges, bananas), candy, and a small gift.
It was good to see how these people, who had suffered such misfortune, were able to bathe—even if only for a short time—in that ocean of care and love that everyone so ardently longs for… We laughed, talked, and shared stories, and the difficult, hopeless side of life retreated back into its devilish cave…
Buoyed by its successes, our team in Pécs continues to expand its activities; in addition to regularly distributing food and care packages, it pays special attention to helping families with children—just as it has done so far.