Wok of Faith

It’s “Stories Week” at KCB, and I love this time because it’s a chance to hit pause and just soak in what’s happening around us. Stories week doesn’t have a strict theme, it’s just the raw pulse of our community, and let me tell you, I feel it: the weight our neighbors carry, the small wins they chase, the way a simple conversation can shift everything. This week’s about stories, and I’ve got a few to share, starting with how you can get involved right now in a pretty tasty way.

Today, we’re launching a Panda Express fundraiser, and it’s simple. Order starting today for pickup or delivery on April 10, and 33% of your bill flows straight to our Love Thy Neighbor fund. That’s a pool we created to meet our homeless neighbors’ unique needs, and there’s no red tape, just real help. We’ve used it for things like hoteling neighbors experiencing domestic violence, grabbing compression gloves for Kimberly’s arthritis (you may remember her story from last week), purchasing bike locks, and stocking the Community Center with snacks and lunches. It’s small acts with big heart, and this fundraiser’s your shot to be part of it.

Our neighbors need so much. I see it daily. Neighbors like Kimberly rolling into the Community Center with bags dangling off the back of her chair, others pacing around the front door wondering where the next meal’s coming from. Kyle desperately seeking a haircut to get his confidence up. These are people we know by name, with stories that stick. As disciples, we’re called to care. Jesus said it Himself: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” When I see that, I don’t see a suggestion, and the “Love Thy Neighbor” fund lets us actually be the hands and feet, and meet needs as they hit.

A couple weeks back, we had a trifold-packing party. There were board members, staff, community members, all in the Community Center, stuffing envelopes with our Q1 newsletter (as well as flyers for the Panda fundraiser!). By now, those trifolds have probably landed in yours and other mailboxes across Bellflower and beyond. “I didn’t realize how much goes into this,” one volunteer said. Another grinned, “Feels good to help out.” It was messy, fun, and real, a bunch of people who get that caring for the poor is difficult to do alone.

Then there’s Margaret’s House, our transitional home for moms and children. Last month, CSULB social work MSW students came in, led by our Executive Director, Andrew. They gave a presentation, threw a painting event, and hung out with the residents. Those students saw the needs of the community: housing, sure, but also dignity, and chose to step up. That’s the heart we want to share.

Going back to the Panda Express information, starting today, order online or through their app (just set the order for pickup or delivery on April 10 or else it wont count). Be sure to put in the fundraiser code 9002724 at checkout (in-store won’t count), and 33% of your bill will go to fueling the Love Thy Neighbor fund. Your meal could turn into shoes for someone walking miles barefoot, a gift card for a hot meal, or whatever else pops up. The truth is, the needs of the people don’t wait, and neither should we.

I’ve been sensing something else lately also.. Our neighbors aren’t just asking for “stuff.” They’re asking to be seen. A lot of them come by the Community Center just to hang out and be seen. Our volunteers stuffing trifolds? They see the mission. Those CSULB students and MH staff painting with the kids? They see the families. And you, grabbing Panda Express on the 10th? You can choose to see them too. This is you stepping up and saying, “You’re not alone out there.”

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and repost/share our stories to help get the word out. We hope you choose to order that Panda Express too. Get a group together and order dinner, pickup an order and head to the park for a picnic, or just grab yourself something and have a quiet night inside with some orange chicken. Just be sure to order online or through their app, and it’s only for April 10th pickup/delivery. Don’t forget to add code 9002724 in the fundraiser code box at checkout, and let’s keep this Love Thy Neighbor fund rolling.

We’re here because the need’s real, and the call’s clear. Let’s be the hands and feet together.

Enjoy that Panda Express lunch or dinner (or both!) on the 10th, and thanks in advance for stepping up.

Until next time…