Imagine what we could do with the billions spent on Mother's Day

Today is the day we remember and honor the important role of mothers. And, perhaps, partially out of a sense of guilt that for most of the year, mothers are underappreciated, some $14 billion will be spent in this country for Mother’s Day; which includes $2.9 billion in meals, $2.5 billion in jewelry and $1.9 billion in flowers.

New York columnist and author Nicholas Kristof, who has been an untiring advocate for women and girls in under-developed countries, suggests we move the apostrophe so that it becomes Mothers’ Day, an occasion to help other mothers around the globe as well.

The $670 million spent on Mother’s Day cards alone, could change the lives of many of thousands of poor women.

We might all, for example, request a small donation in our name be sent to Women for Women International, CARE, or Save the Children, instead of candy or cards.

Right here in Connecticut, I met recently with a remarkable woman and mother who has dedicated herself to helping not just mothers, but fathers, children and families. I first learned about Cheryl Bedore from the equally remarkable Blanche Newman, a 90-year-old friend, poet and active volunteer at Cheryl’s charitable center, Master’s Manna, in Wallingford.

Although Cheryl had worked in the medical field, she felt a clear calling to help “feed God’s flock” in Wallingford and in 2006 in only 600 square feet of space, she started her charity in the basement of a church. Now, Master’s Manna is in a spacious, albeit industrial space at 46 N. Plains Road in Wallingford. It houses a food pantry, a soup kitchen, a diaper bank and a used clothing area.

Always seeking more and better ways to help, this indefatigable and determined woman has added a free small medical clinic, which is open a half-day each week, staffed with doctors contracted through the Community Health Center.

Cheryl is also instituting a new service provided by Labor Ready, a firm which works with local companies to find temporary jobs for those who are out of work. Classes are offered in saving money through couponing, cooking and sewing. Cheryl feels families need to be shown ways to return to some basics and learn how to shop smart, grow some of their own food, do canning and preserving and make some of their own clothes ... all excellent ways to stretch a dollar.

There is a shower and laundry facilities, much needed by people who have temporarily lost their homes. The cheerful, licensed kitchen and dining room with its large-screen television and popcorn machine, serves lunch twice a week and dinner on Fridays. There is a bulletin board listing items people wish to dispose of and items that are needed, and there are even several vans which will provide nonemergency transportation.

All of this is run by small army of volunteers who greet and hug one another like members of a big family. Cheryl says, “Find your passion and that is the area in which you should help.”

Lyman Hall High School students as well as a group of autistic children from Benhaven School also serve as volunteers. Cheryl calls these children “differently abled,” typical of her “always look for the positive” view of life.

She is sure, for instance, that a much-needed, commercial-type freezer will be donated by someone; perhaps a restaurant buying a new one or someone going out of business. Food is received from the local Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Elizabeth’s Bakery and Thurston Foods, while Bristol-Myers, Wallingford Rotary, Webster Bank, United Way and others have made donations and the Wallingford office of Pearce Real Estate has taken part in several community efforts.

Master’s Manna derives its name from “manna,” the provision provided by God to the Israelites who were in the desert for 40 years.

I was quite bowled over by the selfless commitment Cheryl and her volunteers exhibit and by their accomplishments. Cheryl’s motto says it all, “With the grace of God, gladness and singleness of heart, we come to serve those in need with respect, dignity and compassion.”

To find out more or make a donation, call 203-678-3042 or go to www.mastersmanna.org.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, Ct. 06405.

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