thoughts on the news of the day: soup

hmmm…..

            As I write this the Super Bowl is on national television. The Giants and the Patriots are pretty busy right now, but most of us who are watching the game are probably lying around, eating snacks and enjoying a warm cozy living room.  In a few short hours, there will be a winner and a loser and life will go on for all of us viewing the show.  I am guessing that for most of us, the game will not be more than a passing memory in a day or two. In a year when the next game is presented, we will probably not even remember this one.

            But something that is actually much more important happens on this day also.  Many years ago a tradition began to celebrate Super Bowl with a collection of money and/or soup cans for those who are hungry – those who might not even have a bowl of soup to eat today.  The tradition has grown and now expands to many days before and after the big event.  There is a national group that coordinates the “Souper Bowl” but it is very loosely organized.  They get the word out, but encourage those who contribute to give their money and soup to local organizations and agencies who can then distribute them to folks who are in need.

            I think it’s safe to say that for most of us, we have not much more than an emotional stake in the outcome of the game.  But for those who are hungry, a can of soup could mean a whole lot more.  Tomorrow won’t be too late to write a check to a food bank.  It won’t be too late to take a case of soup there.  You might not be on national television, but you will be a hero.

            hmmm…..