Singing in the Choir

By Terri Conlin

The seeds of friendship were sown along the road almost ten years ago when two suburban moms shared carpool to children’s choir practice. Two families were planted together at church and in the same neighborhood. Those seedlings began to sprout when Melinda asked Linda a simple question, “What do you think about our families working together at the local food pantry?” At first the thought of volunteering her precious time was an idea buried beneath layers of family busyness for Linda, yet the question unearthed a memory: food boxes left on her doorstep as a young child. The two families began serving at the Tualatin School House Pantry once a week. Monty and Melinda Taylor along with Mike and Linda Jodoin, plus five children between them ranging in ages from 8 to 15, were greeted with grace that first Monday night by Mike Shiffer, now president of the board. He gave the kids all manner of work disguised as fun: wear an official apron, push big carts, discover and dispose of expired food in the dumpster (watch cool explosions of swollen cans) all while they stocked and sorted and swept the floors. Dads meticulously stocked the shelves while moms shopped with customers. After serving, the families shared a home-cooked meal, prayed for their customers and read a Bible verse. Three years later, both moms admit the habit has flowered in their families’ lives.

Here is what the kids have to say today:

Caleb (age 11) “One time a teenager and a kid came in because they do all the shopping and cooking for their family. I wish they had a family with a mom and dad who wouldn’t send their kids out to do the shopping and make the meals.”

Jacob (age 16) “People come in with sad faces and leave with much happier faces.”

Alex Grace (age 18) “I like that this is something our whole family can volunteer for.”

Hannah (age 15) “We started a museum of old and interesting food. Our first item was a can of Campbell’s cream of broccoli soup from 1964. That’s the year my mom was born!”

Noah (age 18) “When it’s time to volunteer at the Tualatin food pantry, I tend to dread it . . . my attitude needs a little tweak. But when I walk in the door, I have a sudden change of heart.”

Melinda and Linda say the kids get excited about offering quality foods: Panera
bread, fresh meats and cereals even Mom won’t buy. Both moms have blossomed with ideas for their customers. Rather than merely choosing convenience foods that stand alone, they began offering ideas for combining foods into full meals, stretching items to feed more people and emphasizing nutrition. Now that the kids are older, they interact more with customers. Recently a customer’s face lit up when the kids reached out in his native language. When you think about it, these kids have found their voices and are just singing together in a bigger choir.

LOOKING AHEAD: We are pleased to announce that the Tualatin School House Pantry is moving to Rolling Hills.