OregonYeti has the right idea.
Several years ago, I realized I was focusing too much on what I didn't have, rather than appreciating what I did. I found out that the local Mission would accept homemade foods. So every Friday for a year, I made something special for the people at the Mission. I tried to mark holidays with something relevant, such as red velvet cupcakes for Valentines Day, or iced pumpkin cookies at Thanksgiving. Most of the time I made baked goods (pies, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, etc.), but occasionally made a large container of soup or some other entree.
I used quality ingredients and everything was the best that I could offer. No burnt cookies, no undercooked entrees. Every donation was something I would have been proud to serve to family and friends.
After a couple of weeks of doing this, I found that every time I cooked, I thought about how lucky I was, that I had enough food, that I was warm and had a place to sleep. It changed my life.
I'd suggest you contact your local Mission and see what the criteria are for donating cooked foods. Even if you're only bringing a couple of servings of spaghetti pie, someone will appreciate the meal.
If your local Mission can't help you, try making contacts with shut-ins, such as the elderly, the handicapped, or even an overworked (and stressed out!) mother. There is someone in your town who needs the help and will appreciate your efforts.  |