The Shutdown, The Cookies, and the Stray Cat!

Do you think a small action can make a difference in the face of an overwhelming situation? I am not sure that I have an answer. If the action is insignificant, then why bother? Yet if no one does anything, then things will get worse.

Like all of the Americans around the country, I am following up with the shutdown news. As a federal employee,l the pain of those 800,000 federal workers who aren’t receiving a paycheck touches my heart. Even though I wasn’t impacted by Shutdown, but each time I eat, I ask myself what about those federal workers who can’t eat, what about their families?  I should something, said to myself, but what is it? 

Taking Action 

After spending a couple of hours googling trying to find who is furloughed in my little town, I recalled that the Coast Guards are being furloughed. So, I looked up the phone number for the station in my town and I called them. I wasn’t sure if someone was going to pick up the phone, because it was Saturday. My heart jumped with excitement when I heard someone on the other line say:

“The U.S. Coast Guards, can I help you?” A voice on the other side said.

“Sir, I am just a concerned citizen and I know you are being furloughed and I was wondering if I can buy you all lunch?” I replied.

“I am not sure ma’am, let me ask.” He said. As a federal employee myself, I knew that there are all sorts of regulations he needed to abide by.

My heart sank when he said, “Sorry ma’am. We are not allowed to accept donations. But the Commander can. Do you want to call him?”.

“Yes, give the number please,” I replied even before he finished his sentence.

Praying that I could somehow convince the Commander, I immediately called the number and it went straight to voicemail. So, what’s next? I asked myself.

Next Action

I googled the firefighters to see if they were furloughed or not.  According to Google the Fire Department in my town is under the Wildlife Department, which is part of the Agriculture Department. Thus, they are furloughed. So, I called the Fire Department in my city and offered to buy them lunch. Luckily, the Commander was on the station and he said that cookies would be acceptable, but they couldn’t accept donations either.

So, I run to Costco and I grabbed the coffee can, half and half cream, and three different types of cookies and snacks. I bought two of each item, thinking if the firefighters can accept cookies, then the Coast Guards can too.

Seeking Help From Costco

While, at the cashier, I asked if I could speak to the manager. When he came I asked him, 

“Sir, I am sure you heard about the government shutdown. I want to buy 100 pizzas for the furloughed workers. Can you help me by advertising it, so that the federal workers come here to eat them?” I asked. 

The man looked at me like I was a crazy person. Perhaps, he had a point, but I didn’t care and kept looking at him for an answer.

“Ma’am, I am not if we can make 100 pizzas at this location,” he said.

“I am fine with ordering less,” I suggested.  

“Sorry, this decision is above my pay grade,” he said to end the conversation. I paid for the items. The cashier helped place my items into two boxes.

To The Fire Department 

The first stop was at the Fire Station. I couldn’t find a nearby parking space, so I carried my semi-heavy box one block down to the station. The main office door was closed, but I saw the garage door open. I called on the firefighter who was about to close the door.

“Sir, I brought some coffee and cookies,” I said.

“Thank you, ma’am. Oh man! Coffee and cookies, the guys would love it.” He smiled as if I handed him one million dollars. I shook his hand to thank him for his service and left. 

At the Coast Guard Station

Next step, the Coast Guard. I made there, but there was no entrance for the civilians. So, I called again and the service member answered, saying he would send an escort. The escort came and she explained the code of ethics that wouldn’t allow them to accept donations. I assured her that cookies and coffee should be okay. Another service member came and they contacted the Commander who confirmed it. The faces of the service members lit up once the Commander accepted.

Assurances

So, I said, “Sir, I hope this thing doesn’t drag anymore, but if it does, then, you will see me coming here more often.”

“Thank you, ma’am! Our service members love these cookies and the coffee will help,” a service member said.  

“I just wanted you to know that you are not alone,” I assured the service members.

“The support we received from the community is great,” they said.  

I said, “thank you for your service to our country.”

 Support in Time of Need

I felt our federal workers want to feel supported, even if it is cookies and coffee. It is not about how much can anyone bring, it is more about the thought that someone got your back. Someone who is willing to share the little they have with you. I am a federal employee too, and I live paycheck to paycheck, just like them. But, I felt I can share something to let them know that they are supported.

The Homeless and the Stray Cat

Later that day, my son, who is currently looking for a job, bought some food for a homeless and his dog. My son went out of his way to buy the food and then walked a block to give to the homeless.

The day concluded with feeding a stray cat. My cat didn’t mind sharing the little food he has with another cat, or at least he didn’t mind.

My cookies won’t alleviate the impact of the shutdown, my son’s meal won’t provide the homeless with a roof on top of his head, the wet food my cat offered was enough for one time, and soon the stray cat will feel hungry again. But, these little actions say we care.