She stared at the progress of her work. So far, things were running smoothly, but there was more to do. Her work was far from over but just merely beginning. Then, she spotted the man of the hour.
The man who made this all happen was walking in her direction. "Hey, Luisa! Thanks for coming and helping me out together with your friends." Mr. Ramon said as he gestured to the room where the event was ongoing.
"Don't worry, Mr. Ramon. We are more than happy to help." Luisa answered, followed by the yelling of her friends in agreement.
She was lucky to meet her new group of friends, willing to help other people in desperate need.
She could remember many of her previous friends. She thought they were her friends, only to realize they were all fakes. In truth, they had always looked down on her because she did not come from money, just like them.
"So, you already know the drill, right?" He directed his question at her.
"I have you covered. Go and attend to your guests." Luisa fist-bumped the aging man before letting him return to his other responsibilities.
She had been helping out Mr. Ramon when she was not busy, so this would be a walk in the park. Most of her friends had helped out this Shelter at one point or another. Therefore, there would not be a problem with them either.
"So, you handle the refreshments." She pointed to Vinnie, who had just walked into the facility. "You go help him." And one of the other volunteers.
She had taken charge of the activities, knowing she was good at delegating the different tasks. She did not have to be a genius to do this. All it required was some social skills.
"Me?" Vinnie asked, pointing to him, clearly still sleepy, probably because he had a long night.
She remembered he called her last night, asking her if she could join him at a party, but she was still at the office, burning the midnight oil. Therefore, she had to decline.
"Yes, you, Vinnie." She pointed to him, making sure he understood his role.
Then, she assigned the others to do the decorations, tables, food, and entertainment. She opted to stay behind the scene, commanding in the shadows, pulling the strings to make everything run smoothly like a puppet master.
"Noreen, how is the food?" She asked since the Shelter was starting to pack up with Senior people, the homeless, and many of the families it was supporting in this community.
Unlike the other community where she previously lived, this neighborhood did not come from money. Many people who stayed in this place belonged to the poverty line.
Therefore, this Shelter was doing a lot of good to this neighborhood by providing aid. And she was happy to be able to help in her simple way. She believed this place could do more if only Mr. Ramon could get additional funding and support.
They could do more, not just distribute food but provide livelihood programs, job opportunities and support, educational assistance, and the like.
"Food is being packed and ready to serve soon. Everything is on the right track," Noreen reported after coming from the kitchen, the room where many other volunteers were preparing the meal for the small celebration.
Luisa learned that the Shelter was celebrating its second anniversary. The organizers, like Mr. Ramon, hoped it would continue to be successful and help many more people in the community.
She also learned that some local and other benefactors would come to join them this afternoon, so she wanted everything to look perfect when they arrived.
"Good." So far, everything seemed to be going just the way Mr. Ramon wanted. She needed things to be perfect. At least presentable with the little budget they had.
Soon, people came and filled the room. Guests occupied the tables, and volunteers served the food. While many kids played around, enjoying the simple celebration.
Some volunteers who could sing enlisted as their entertainers for the afternoon as they sang in front of everyone. It turned into a joyous affair as laughter and chatter filled the room.
Then, he noticed a newcomer, an aged man with a walking cane striding, entering the hallway. His aura was different from the rest of the group. He looked like he did not belong in this place.
"Mr. Ramon, do you know him?" She called the organizer's attention, pointing to the man whose eyes kept looking around.
In her opinion, he did not look like he needed anything from this place. But from the impeccable suit he was wearing, he might be the one who could assist in running this Shelter, a benefactor perhaps.
"Hmmm?" Mr. Ramon gazed at the newcomer, narrowing his eyes as if searching his mind for recognition. "I don't think I have seen him before." He finally concluded.
Mr. Ramon immediately walked toward their unknown guest and greeted him, just like the rest of the people who strode to those doors.
Not caring if a man looked like he was well off or if he had not slept or eaten in days. He would treat him in the same manner, welcoming him to this home with open arms.
The doors of the Shelter were open to everyone without discrimination. It would help whoever walked through those doors seeking assistance. Or accept any donation as long as it would be for the good of the community.
"Who is that?" Noreen suddenly appeared at her side, carrying an empty tray in her hands.
Even her friend was curious about the man who was now on his way toward them. His eyes kept roaming around, but she also noticed that he glanced her way.
But just like Mr. Ramon, his face did not look familiar to her. She doubted if she had seen him before. But she could tell that he was indeed someone influential from his stand and the way he walked.
"Maybe some big shot who wishes to donate some huge amount of money to this Shelter," Luisa answered her friend, hoping that was the case.
Her eyes looked at him one last time when they stopped to talk to another one of the organizers. Then, she attended to her other responsibilities of running the event without a hitch.
Many joined the celebration this year compared to the last as people kept coming. However, she had a slight problem. "Food is running out, Luis," Noreen said as she rushed to her side.
Now, how would they feed all these people?
Mr. Ramon did not expect the volume that came to the Shelter. But Luisa could see that he was doing his best to remedy the situation. "Don't worry. We will figure it out."
How? They had to find the bread that could multiply soon. They needed a miracle to salvage the situation.
"Excuse me." Suddenly a gruff voice spoke behind her. "I could not help but overhear your conversation."
Her friend was signaling something with her face, but she could not figure it out. Eventually, she turned to face her unknown eavesdropper.
"Would you mind if I help?" Offered by the man wearing his expensive suit.