Portland Rooster community pulls together for 'Operation Full Belly', on a mission to show giving has no age.
by Tali Saar
“When Rachael Yost posted on Rooster about 'Operation Full Belly', she never fully expected what was coming.”
Operation Full Belly brings families and individuals together, to do their part in helping Portland’s homeless by providing them with meals and basic toiletry items. Rachael started the operation so her children could adopt giving as a way of life, starting at a young age. “I couldn’t find opportunities out there for young kids to take part in volunteering”, said Rachael, “I believe it’s important that our kids grow up knowing no matter who you are or how little you have, there is always a way for you to give back.” This activity became something her 3 year old daughter looks forward to -- “She asks me, Mommy when can we go help the homeless again?” More families and individuals are now joining Rachael on her mission.
While looking for donations of socks and food supplies for the September event, a friend suggested posting on Portland Rooster, where thousands of families exchange unused household goods with one another for free, and could provide her with any spare items lying around the house. Responses were soon to follow.
Hi neighbors,
I run a group called Operation Full Belly where we feed the homeless and give them much needed hygiene items. We have a big event coming up in 3.5 weeks and are in need of the following items:
SOCKS (tons and tons of good quality socks)
Jelly
Peanut Butter
Snack foods
Ziploc bags
This is what we are most in need of for this event. Please help if you can!
“I was shocked”, said Rachael, “within hours of posting, my email was blowing up with tons of people wanting to know how to get their donations to us. But more than that, they wanted to know how they could help. We have people who are going to help make lunch bags and people coming to help distribute. There are also people who have dropped items at our house or let one of us come to their houses. I can not even remember how many responses I got, there were so many of them!”.
Particularly touching, was a Rooster member who created Operation Full Belly’s Amazon wish list on their Facebook page and delivered 60 pairs of socks directly to Rachel. One member contributed 12 jars of jelly and another went to Costco especially to pick up some more snacks. “I got talking with one of the ladies I met when picking up some snacks from her. She was looking for even more ways to contribute - offering kid items and toys she no longer needed. Every single person on there has been so kind, thoughtful, and patient with us - it became increasingly hard to keep up with the responses”. Items kept showing up at Rachael’s house, some of them completely anonymous. “This is truly a random act of kindness”.
Do you have a message for the Rooster community?
Rachael: “I want them to understand what a huge impact they’re making. A jar of peanut butter might not sound like much but that jar will go into 60 meals. When another member donates jelly, these sandwiches are literally a community coming together to help. No deed is too small - simply cleaning up your old sock drawer will keep people warm this winter. These little things really, really do make a difference”.
Operation Full Belly takes place once every 3 months. The next event is coming Dec 11 and 12th. You can find more information, volunteer and donate items for the homeless on their Facebook Page.
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