When we're setting up a schedule for the OBB Mobile, we're only looking for good events. If something looks like a good fit and the date is open on the calendar, we're off. Every now and then this leaves in a position for a lot of travel in a short period of time. Last week was one of those times.
It started Thursday at a Lutheran Social Services food distribution in Franklin Furnace. Franklin Furnace is so far south that we took the OBB Mobile out of Ohio for the very first time. We drove through Kentucky* to get to this small little hamlet in Scioto County.
We had been to this food distribution before. It's one of the rare events where our satellite dish isn't just a luxury, it is a necessity. There's no cell phone service down there and no cell phone service means no wireless cards. It's satellite Internet or bust.
Once we set up our dish, the demand for help was unrelenting. Erin and I noticed a pattern when we met dozens of disabled Ohioans who didn't have Golden Buckeye cards. Unfortunately, hardly anyone had their disability acceptance letters on them, but we let everyone know that if they took that letter to a local library or senior center, they could be receiving discounts.
We had more traditional success with a woman named Tashanda Boggs. Mrs. Boggs was working part-time, her husband was on unemployment, and her brother just moved in with them after having trouble finding work. With two people earning income in the home, Tashanda didn't think she would be eligible for food assistance. In fact, she was eligible for about $160 a month in food. She appeared ecstatic.
Over the course of four hours, Erin and I (with a cameo from our manager, Zach Reat) completed seven applications. That's a good day. But we spoke to scores of people. That's an awesome day. We look forward to returning.
Part 2 coming soon!
*In Kentucky we were driving on the Country Music Highway. That reminded me of Loretta Lynn, Kentucky's greatest daughter. Unfortunately, our portion of highway was named after Billy Ray "Father of Miley" Cyrus. Ugh.
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