I don't know about you, but I absolutely love Pagan Pride day! I look forward to it all year, as it's probably the biggest event in the area that doesn't cost a thing to attend. I think last year, over 500 people came by, and that's just counting the folks who signed in.
One of the things I love about it is the food drive, and we Chicagoans are big givers. The folks who put the day together work with the Greater Chicago Food Depository which is a non-religious organization who truly helps all those in need. As I posted on my Facebook today,
"I just wanted to remind folks Pagan Pride events, from its inception, was part food drive. The event has always been a non-perishable food item for admittance, but of course no one is barred from coming in.
Every year, I ask people to do more than the bare minimum. I am conversing, right now, with one of our own who is feeling low about needing to visit a food pantry, and things were not always that way. This person is far from the only one in need within our community, be it local or otherwise. I've had to use food pantries myself both growing up and when our son was small. I have never forgotten what that's like.
Now, because we are doing good financially and can definitely do more than the bare minimum, we donate one bag of groceries per household member. I'd like to think at this point in my life, I've at least broken even in giving back what we've taken over the years. But if I quit now, I would be again doing the bare minimum. I'm better than that. You're better than that. We're all better than that.
If all you can spare is one can of vegetables, see if you can shake the couch cushions to buy one more. Can you double that? How about doubling your double? What's in your cupboards that's still good but you know you're not going to use anytime soon? Remember, non-perishables also means bottled juice, spaghetti, beans, rice, instant stuff, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, crackers, taco shells and so on!
When you go shopping for someone in need, make it a game. Clip coupons! See what you can get for $10. And hey, take pictures of your shopping cart! Bragging rights abound! And, just because you can't meet with the needy face to face, you can envision at least a smile from a stranger.
There is no greater magic(k) we can create than one that brings a smile to someone's face. So for every item, think of it as a smile.
How many smiles are you creating?"
Not only are they collecting non-perishable food items, but they're also hosting two animal rescues for reptiles and cats! And yes, there are a multitude of vendors scheduled, rituals and workshops to attend. And yes, yes, no matter how you get around, the location is perfect. There's plenty of parking nearby, including free spots, and public transportation comes in all forms (bus, Metra, L train, walking, biking, flying in on your broomstick!).
You don't have to be there all day, but we encourage every Pagan and magic(k)al person of every flavor to attend. See you soon!