You have described so well how charitable institutions are not doing an
adequate job, even when they could do so easily, one would think.  You
are right that many "pantries" and "clothing recycles" are open only a
few hours a week, and it is hard for elderly or disabled to get there
on the bus.

I realize that I should have been helping in these enterprises when I
was younger.  Even now I could help IF I did not have sensitivities
(serious ones) to the chemical sprays and mold which are to be found in
these venues.  They are generally held in old buildings where mold is
covered by "room spray", which is enough to make me sick for weeks.
Otherwise I myself would definitely be volunteering in these places!  I
long to be able to help!

I know that some larger charities do a better job, but they are not
near me.  In Seattle, Northwest Harvest is a big enterprise (all
non-profit, but now having a large modern warehouse for food).  In
Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Salvation Army has active staffed offices.
Salvation Army should never be forgotten when you make charitable
donations.  Union Gospel Mission in Seattle is likewise a full-time
active Christian Charity.  These don't tend to exist as much in small
towns, though.  The churches should take over this mission in small
towns.

I think the main lack of manpower is actually womanpower, as women are
now working and are not as available.
Or during their childbearing years they are busy at home, driving the
kids here and there.

The nice woman who hit me with her car apparently homeschools her
younger children and drives every day 40 miles round trip, at least, to
take her older son to a private school; this is another reason women
are not available, as they have taken over the education of their
children, among the Christian population, and are tied to their
automobiles hours every day.  Remember when we could walk home from
school without fear of being mugged or raped?  When mom was waiting at
home, not driving herself and her kids to distraction?  I remember
those days and long for them back.   And I could take the bus to high
school without fear, too.

Thanks to my mom and all the moms who were home on my street when I
came from school many years ago.

Mariel