abundance under the tree - People's Press

by wanda becky jean, volunteer & neighbor
edited by sarina e. guerra

There was a blissful feeling that came over me when I arrived at the first of several #slabcitycareclub events. Joette, Anthony, and some others banded together to form what’s now known as the Community Care Club. The group offers aid in the form of drinking water, meals, commodities, and other everyday essentials such as blankets, pillows, and toiletries to folks that would otherwise have no means of getting into town. Many of these same people have no way of preparing regular meals either, as they often live in places without any refrigeration or stovetop.

The first of the club’s meals was the Thanksgiving Breakfast. We heard there was going to be a community gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving week here in Slabs City – an off grid collective of nomads, snowbirds, wanderers, and some 200 year-round residents (more affectionately known as Slabbers). Those who only know a tent, an old RV, or even a house made of pallets refer to this life as

Many of us have no moving wheels, such as a car or even a bicycle, to get to the town store about 4 miles out. Some of us walk, some cannot. Others fare store-run rides from kind neighbors, but still many go without. The Care Club was formed with these folks in mind.

Upon arriving at the camp where the gathering space was located, I immediately noticed the massive tree that would be supplying those of us beneath it with a great feeling of abundance. Abundance in the form of shade and protection from winds, rain, and sun. Abundance in the form of people we know as neighbors and friends who we’ve adopted as family. It was a pretty little place filled with so many people that we rarely see leave their own Slab camps.

There were boxes filled with canned goods atop tables, and folks gratefully rummaged through various commodities for quick and easy meals or missing ingredients to add to pantry items. To some, this was all they had.

There was light music playing in the background and games set out for the children to play. I saw so many smiling faces sitting at benches donated and placed by good-intentioned individuals. I could hear laughter from children and adults alike as we all put aside our differences to celebrate this Thanksgiving together.

I feel there was a powerful and meaningful message in all this. Paul, one of the coordinators, told a beautiful story about being on the road with his mother when he was a young boy and spoke fondly of the kindness they were shown. He carried this memory with him until now, when he shared the heartwarming experience with us and reflected deeply on the manifestations of helping hands throughout his life. Then, a verbal outpouring of thanksgiving was shared to uplift the crowd before the meal was served.

So many volunteers came together to take part in serving this (free) meal to all who congregated under the tree on this day. An apple and orange juice station was made available while we waited for dinner to be served, and paper plates and plasticware were handed out by some of our youngest residents, while many others dished out helpings of food from the sterno-warmed offerings. There were pancakes and fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, sausage and a sweet bread scone —perfect for dessert in the desert.

We greeted friends and accepted everyone who attended, bonding over good food and good conversation for hours. I’ll never forget the feeling of unity and togetherness that I have finally found in this community. This is a feeling I can only describe as an abundance. We enjoyed an Abundance of smiles, of food, and of happiness— and most importantly, we shared it all. I’d like to shout out a huge Thank You to all the people whose vision and kindness made this event possible, as well as to those who still believe in us here at Slab City as a whole. May God bless us all with Abundance this season and always.

Part of the Slab City Residents Break Bread — and Boundaries Collection

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