From long-time Karma Kitchen Volunteer Lalita P. ...

"As we ease into the new year, it seems that the world is filled with "what if's" and the current of fear mingled with hope and positive change continues to flow through our everyday lives. But I know that despite all that uncertainty, one thing will stay stable: the human tendency for giving. And on a street corner in Berkeley, disguised as an endearing restaurant, Karma Kitchen is calmly nestled in the understanding that come what may, giving is not going anywhere. As a volunteer, guest, and fellow experimenter, I have slowly deepened my understanding of how Karma Kitchen is a vehicle for exchange. One example out of many, proves that Karma Kitchen activities are touching lives even outside of Berkeley.
 

I recently began working in an elementary school in Concord, CA. This is a Title 1 school in a kind of sketchy area, where many people live in fear of not having enough food, being taken by immigration, or such things as being jumped on the street. Unfortunately, a few days before Thanksgiving, this last thing happened to an elderly gentleman. The staff at school heard about it, and decided to help out. Below is an excerpt from the letter:

"November 21st, a 75 year old man was physically accosted at an apartment complex close to [the school]. His name is  CS. and he lives with one of our p.m custodians. CS is on a social security supplementary income and had to be hospitalized due to the attack. He was released from the hospital on Dec. 10th; however, CS is still having trouble walking. This attack occurred in our community. The teachers and staff at [our school] are inviting everyone in the community to donate $1.00 or more towards a Safeway gift card for CS...Let's join together to show CS we care..."

So, as I read this, and my heart tugged at the thought of this elder man without food...especially when people all around him were getting together and enjoying their holiday meals. I thought, "Oh, it would be great if he could experience Karma Kitchen!" But then I pictured him trekking out there, not being able to walk, and thought it would be easier for him if Karma Kitchen came to him. To make a long story shorter, and to my and school staff amazement, $101 that guests from Karma Kitchen generously paid forward for their meal experience went to feed a struggling elder man who had never even heard of Karma Kitchen.
There may be uncertainties and fears of economic strife, still, the experiment of giving that guests partake in when they encounter Karma Kitchen is strong and flows beyond the welcoming front doors. CS received the gift of food (and a smile card!) through the kind acts of anonymous guests even though he wasn't physically in the restaurant. And the experiment continues!"