News from Our Daily Bread
April, 2016
Saturday Lunch, Big, Really Big

Saturday, March 12 was the first serving of ODB's Saturday lunch. While it was a lovely sunny spring day, those of us in the dining hall saw some other shining lights:













 

Executive Director Brenda Jackson's beaming smile and Board President Bob Stewart's twinkling eyes, along with the support of several established volunteers, and the grand assistance from the church, Rapha Life Center guaranteed success. Although our first Saturday was their first time to volunteer, Rapha Life Center is hooked and pledged to work the second Saturday of each month!

In Bob's own words: "I can hardly wait to tell you what a grand time we had at our first lunch on Saturday. It was a HUGE success. We served 148 meals. Russell Clark did a great job as the cook. I think the smile on Brenda's face is permanent. This was a wonderful team win."

"Be proud of what we can do together."
Volunteer Spotlight 

Alta Noeltner is one of the first faces you see at ODB. She checks in volunteers and does the lunch count.

While you might not think that the lunch count is critical, assure yourself that it is. The numbers that we need are critical in securing grants for meals, snack packs, meals-ready-to-eat, and supplies for hygiene kits. So, Alta's precision is much appreciated.

Alta attributes her mother's firm and religious training as a key to her success.


 Hanna Moericke heard about ODB from Saint Andrew member and Texas Woman University professor Sherry Vanatta. Last fall this energetic TWU dietetics junior started volunteering her time every Friday at ODB and has lovedit  from the start.
 
In her own words, "Time is precious to a student, but so is my time at ODB. I was drawn to ODB and continue to love it for a multitude of reasons.  The main reason that I was drawn to ODB is close to my heart; I have a brother who is often homeless and has many of the problems that a lot of our clients face.

 I know that others have helped my brother along his way, and I hope to pay it forward and do the same for someone else.  Also, as a dietetics student, hunger and food security are pressing issues in our field, and to be able to help alleviate that in any way is a priority.  ODB is a special place due to the outstanding teamwork and camaraderie."
Liz Dishes

Liz presents a 15-year volunteer to Joanne Gannon
Apple Spice Dump Cake
Servings: 24

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix
2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon white sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
  • Pour the cans of apple pie filling into a 9 x 13 inch rectangular pan.
  • In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and sugar. Sprinkle mixture over pie filling.
  • Pour the dry box of cake mix over apples. Dot with butter and scatter nuts on top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes to an hour, until cake is brown on top and bubbling on the sides.
  • Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.
A Grand Surprise in a Sack

Earlier this year, a gentleman arrived at the kitchen door, sack and letter in hand. He wanted two things: to remain anonymous and to leave the letter and the sack.
a Brown Paper Lunch Bag Isolated in white

His letter reads in full below:s

"To the folks at Our Daily Bread.

Thank you.

My story isn't the traditional one of the poor and homeless.  I had a job when I moved to Denton in 2013, I didn't have a substance addiction, unmarried?-yes, but my relations with my family were good and cordial, and I looked to God for all direction.

Then I got fired from the job and lost my sense of direction.  I wanted to find work in my field again but it was taking too long, and soon my savings began to run out.  Family tried to give me suggestions for new work, but I didn't want a full-time job in manual labor.
 
In desperation one day, I Google searched:  "Where can I find free food in Denton, Texas? Our Daily Bread came up.  I remember the first day I drove up in my Honda Civic, I parked across the street for fear of being turned away because I wasn't riding a bike.  I wore faded jeans and a tattered t-shirt in an attempt to "look poor", but I didn't act or smell like I was homeless.  The website said you wouldn't ask questions but I couldn't be sure.

What I found was a community of people trying to organize around helping people in need. I know there are many scriptures that encourage what you all do, but I think only one is necessary:   "Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11).  God provides the bread (and not just that, but medicine and jobs) through the willing obedience of His people, and provide you did through the rest of 2013 and most of 2014 until I found a new job.
 
Again, thank you.  And not just for the food but for the experience of interacting with those of low class.  I confess, I was that guy that would avert my eyes from them and wonder why they are the way there are?  Some are foolish and make and keep making poor decisions, others, like myself, broke a leg on their path and just need some crutches to hobble on while they heal.  I've sat with both types in your fellowship hall and what I've gained from it: understanding.

So I gladly offer this meager one-thousand dollars to help your efforts.  It's meant to go to whoever is in charge, I think that's Liz, but that's to your discretion. 

Christ's blessings on your work, believe me, it's not in vain."
Our anonymous benefactor must have saved rather regularly to collect his gift.  His gift of one thousand dollars was in mostly ones, fives, tens, and one twenty-dollar bill.
What Bob Stewart said about Saturday lunches being a "great team effort" is indeed true.

We offer good help in a good way at Our Daily Bread.
New Face for Volunteers

Carly Quintus found ODB when she wa
s looking for ways to get involved in the community. She moved here last fall to join her fiancé who started graduate school at UNT. Like many other transplants, she really likes "the arts and cultural scene here and the focus on community".

We are quite fortunate to have Carly's experience, too, as she brings more than 3 years in community outreach in Minneapolis. Carly was the Director of Volunteers and Outreach for a Minneapolis nonprofit serving free community meals at over 20 locations across Minnesota, managing a database of over 7500 volunteers.

Again, in Carly's words, "Our Daily Bread is a great organization serving the community. I am happy to be part of the growth and the work here."

We all are certain that Chef Liz is pleased to have a buddy from the northern climate! Join us in giving Carly a big ol' warm Texan welcome! 
Ways to Serve

Are you interested in serving on some ODB Committees? Perhaps you would like to work on fundraising events. You may not be chopping and stirring, but you will still be serving our clients with your efforts.

Or you might be interested in some writing or document design.  Communication Committee can use the skills of photographers and graphic designers and folks who can keep their eyes and ears ready for a good story.
success and winning concept - happy business team celebrating victory in office

Many different skills are required to help ODB function, so if you have an idea or a question, email odbcommunication@gmail.com. 

You'll be glad you did.
New Picnic Benches

When the weather is nice, the benches just outside of ODB get a great deal of use, and our former ones were just worn out.
 

Fortunately, Sue and Chris Bancroft saw the need and donated new ones. These have been with us since January, and with our mild winter this year, they have come in quite handy. 

Thank you, Bancrofts.
Client Needs
suntan.jpg

The seasonal need for water, sunscreen, ins
ect repellant, and lip balm are increasing. Now would be a great time to create a neighborhood or office drive for these items.

THANK YOU ! 
Out and About

April 6   Bob Stewart, Kristi Bledsoe, and Sharon Kremer will meet with Father Tim of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and  John Kendzie, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church and Donna Maxwell, missions chair.

Wednesday, April 6   Members of the ODB Board of Directors will attend the Denton County Homeless Coalition meeting.
Visit the coalition website here.   Find them on Facebook .
Mark Your Calendar 


A Night of Hope.
Fundraiser for
Giving Hope Inc.
April 7. 6-8 pm.

More information here. 


















April  9.   Mobile Food Pantry. To volunteer, go to the Denton Hunger Coalition Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/DentonHungerCoalition/

 
April 18-22.  Mayors Day of Concern for the Hungry, Check  ODB Facebook page for updates.  https://www.facebook.com/OurDailyBreadDenton/?ref=hl) 
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Brenda Jackson, Executive Director
300 West Oak Street, Suite 100
Denton, Texas 76201
(Located in St. Andrew Presbyterian Church)
                                                (940) 566-1308