ODB's VOLUNTEERS LEND EXPERIENCE TO CLIENTS' NEEDS 

Our Daily Bread's volunteers are special and very much valued. Each volunteer brings his or her individual talent and experience to the table. Few volunteers, however, bring firsthand experience from homelessness and debilitating disease. Two ODB clients have made the successful transition to client/volunteer. Both suffer from debilitating diseases, and one has experienced homelessness. Both men came to ODB looking for something to keep them busy and to help them maintain their purpose.

 Bob Davis began volunteering over four months ago as an assistant program coordinator.  At first, his duties were limited to mail delivery and answering the phone. Soon, it was apparent that Bob had much more to offer drawing from his own experience as a homeless individual, and because of his personal battle with diabetes. He has helped many clients navigate their way to assistance due to his personal experiences. He has helped implement efficiencies to help minimize the workload on our volunteer group and expedite assistance to clients. Bob is also hard at work developing a pc program through which we can access agency information as an alternative method of referral. This will be a welcome addition to the resource referral manuals currently used. Bob's latest goal is to continue developing trusting relationships with clients. These relationships help Bob act as a conduit between clients and the resources each so desperately needs.

Another person who has successfully transitioned into a volunteer/client is Bobby Woodall. Bobby suffers from spinal osteomyelitis and brittle diabetes which have wreaked havoc on his body. He has a difficult time maintaining a weight above 100 pounds and must supplement his diet with protein rich drinks (provided by ODB through either donations or purchase). Bobby works in the hygiene distribution area at least three days a week.  This provides consistent distribution of valuable hygiene items. Bobby's ingenuity helped recently on a rainy day when the on-hand supply of rain ponchos was depleted. With a roll of 33 gallon trash bags, Bobby fashioned ponchos, helping our clients to stay dry. Bobby is great with kids and takes special care of the client's children by keeping toys, crayons, and coloring books in stock in the hygiene closet.

Both of these men bring special talents making them great assets to ODB. Thank you Bob and Bobby!

NEW PICNIC TABLES

ODB has placed two picnic tables under the trees for the convenience and comfort of clients. These tables offer a place for clients to wait for ODB's doors to open or to relax after a good meal.  A large trash can was also placed nearby to encourage everyone to keep the area clean.

NEW PAINT ON KITCHEN WORK TABLES

DALLAS MORNING NEWS CHARITIES GRANT CHECK RECEIVED

ODB is a recipient of the Dallas Morning News (DMN) Charities Grant. A check was received for $2,895.57 November 15. Bob Stewart, Millie Bell, and Camille Grimes (with the DMN Charities) braved the cold wind and rain at the Klyde Warren Park for a fundraiser Saturday November 23. The fundraiser, one of many ODB volunteers will be asked to join, was held to   raise money which will ultimately help ODB feed the hungry. These funds are planned to specifically fund a new steamer for ODB's kitchen, as well as computer equipment.

CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH SPONSORS PUMPKIN PATCH FUNDRAISER FOR ODB

Mr. Ryan Schroer and Andy of Crossroads Bible Church presented the Executive Director, Millie Bell with a check for $2,480.20 raised during the Pumpkin Patch event. We are so grateful for this generous donation. Our needs are many this time of year and the funds will be put to good use allowing us the ability to feed approximately 1,240 meals to the hungry.

 

  

Our sincere thanks go to Crossroads Bible Church.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS AT OUR DAILY BREAD

    

14TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS EVENT  

 

5 - 6 SERVINGS

1 tbsp. drippings

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small clove of garlic, crushed

1 lb. ground chuck beef

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 slices bread, crusts removed

Water

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. oregano, rosemary or basil

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tbsp. dry breadcrumbs

2 cups seasoned mashed potato

1 tbsp. minced parsley or green pepper (optional)

3 strips bacon (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

Heat drippings.

Add onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is transparent.

Remove to a mixing bowl and add ground beef.

Add egg.

Soften the bread in water, press out excess water and add bread to meat.

Add salt, oregano, pepper.

Mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle a piece of waxed paper with breadcrumbs.

Press meat out onto crumbs to make rectangle about ½ in. thick.

Beat mashed potatoes with parsley and spread on top of meat. (if leftover mashed potatoes are used, reheat before spreading).

Using waxed paper as an aid, roll meat and potatoes (jellyroll fashion) and place in a loaf pan or on a shallow baking pan. Grease pan if the meat is lean.

Place bacon on top or brush with additional drippings; baste at least once during baking.