As an introvert and first-generation immigrant who moved to her city right before Covid, Lily didn’t know many of her neighbors. But this year, she was inspired to help deliver meals for a local food bank. Once she started hearing the stories of the families she was helping, she says her heart was touched and she was motivated to do more.

She organized a group of volunteers to help even more families in need, meeting so many “like-minded and like-hearted people” in the process. “It’s really a dream team,” she said, “and we work together so well because everyone is so focused on the goal, which is to serve these families.”

That would be an inspiring enough story on its own, but there was an even bigger twist waiting for her.

Lily was unfortunately laid off from her job a few weeks ago. That same day, while stocking a community fridge, she talked to the founder of the food bank who assured her that they had her back. “Don’t worry,” the founder told her. “You know we have good food, and you’re covered.”

This is truly the spirit of mutual aid: one day we’re helping our community and the next day they’re helping us. It’s not a bunch of wealthy “ladies who lunch” sipping champagne and deciding who to bestow their charity on today. It’s about all of us lifting each other up… together.

If you have a little extra time, money, or food this holiday season, we encourage you to share it with your community just like Lily.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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