Preparations are made for most events that occur with any success. Notwithstanding, the MRZ CENTRE Outreach in downtown Tallahassee is no different. Over a week ahead of time, groceries must be ordered and reserved. Two days before the Saturday of the event, the ordered food must be picked up along with bread, pastries and such, and all is delivered to the MRZ CENTRE, refrigerated and stored. Those involved in these activities are unknown to most and prepare behind the scenes.
On the morning of the outreach that occurs every second and fourth Saturday of each month, people arrive as early as seven a.m. to begin transforming the fifty eight hundred foot garage area of MRZ CENTRE for a receiving line. Tables are unfolded, and makeshift display areas are put in place. Clothing is brought down from the storage areas, and shoes are put into the special shoe station. Groceries are placed on carts and in baskets to be carried to their staging area, and volunteers work like busy ants scurrying to make coffee, provide a place for muffins, donuts, and other goodies to give away. Some volunteers arrange toys and gifts that have been donated. and many books, and other help items line an area that sits by a free cell phone call table. If medical personnel attend, a makeshift medical area is set up. Music is being played, and people are excited about the opportunity to help others who are in need.
MRZ CENTRE Outreach is basically a mission trip, a mini one, nonetheless, a mission trip to help those who are without within Tallahassee's own area. There is no fanfare for the volunteers, and the papers do not write about them every week. There is no pay, and there are not very many thank yous or pats on the back, but those who have prepared for the MRZ CENTRE Outreach are rewarded within their own souls. Though those who have been there are basically unknown, they know the joy of the riches within that will never fade away, and no one will ever be able to take those riches from them. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?
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