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It seemed as if his hands appeared out of nowhere, amidst the rapidly moving arms and elbows of volunteers.  We were focused together on a simple task, unloading donations in the garage of a community food pantry, when he approached us. 

“Help,” he said — more of a statement than a question. 

“You want to help us?” said someone.

“No English.”

“That’s ok brother, busy hands are a universal language,” said another.

And with that and no other direction, he jumped in with the rest of us. Seamlessly becoming another volunteer, muscling heavy boxes of donated produce, meats and canned goods. 

Working side-by-side with us for at least a half hour, no job was too small or too large for him. 

Anticipating each task, he grabbed a stack of plastic bags and with outstretched hands held them open as his fellow volunteers counted out day-old bagels.

One by one, clients exited the pantry, passing the unloading area with shopping carts of groceries. For some, family or friends waited to help them home. As they left, we said goodbye, wishing them a good weekend and God’s blessings. Our new volunteer smiled and nodded at each one too.

Before much longer, a woman appeared with her own cart of groceries, glanced in his direction and said, ”Estas siendo voluntario?” 

“Sí,” he replied.

Then to us she smiled and said, “That’s good, they can always use help.”

And with that, he walked towards her, took hold of the cart, and together they walked out of the garage, into the parking lot and out of sight.

It was clear that our newfound colleague gave more than all the others that day — for he contributed all he had. 

While we didn’t know much about him, he reminded us, once again, that the line between giving and receiving is a fine one indeed.

Within it, resides a staple that each of God’s people hunger for – the dignity that feeds us all.