Volunteers get face-to-face with those in need

"I like writing a check to a good cause and Lord knows they need the money," Harris said, "but it's another thing to see the people you're helping."

For the past 10 years, Congregation Beth Chaverim has hosted the homeless for Christmas week. Congregation members offer a safe and warm place by transforming the social hall into a dining room and religious school classrooms, lobby and hallways into makeshift quarters.

As head of the temple's social action committee, Harris heads up countless volunteers who cook, serve and clean-up twice a day and said the numbers of volunteers is always increasing.

"Once someone does this they become a recruiter," he said. "They'll bring their family members, next-door neighbors and friends." Caring for the needy is a mitzvah, a good deed, said the Lake Placid resident.

On Christmas Eve, a special meal is prepared and Volunteers of America arranges for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to visit the synagogue, a Reform temple on the corner of Rosemont and Stoneshore Roads.

Congregation members hand out wrapped gifts that include warm items, bus tickets and toiletry gifts donated by St. Michael's Lutheran, St. Nicholas, Star of the Sea and Church of the Ascension Catholic churches.

"During this season of sacred lights and miracles, it's the best way to show appreciation for our blessings and to reach out to each other and affirm our common roots," said Rabbi Israel Zoberman.

Deborah Maloney, director of Volunteers of America/The Lighthouse Center, said the Winter Shelter program has helped thousands of homeless in the 23 years they've operated it.

Currently, 23 churches and one synagogue take turns hosting one week during a 24-week period that starts in late October and runs through early April.

"We also have 15 to 20 supporting churches that help feed at the sites," said Maloney.

While numbers vary, Maloney said they average 62 men and women each night at the places of worship and there is always a waiting list.

"Last year we provided more than 10,000 bed nights," said Maloney. The Winter Shelter program is an example of a working partnership between Volunteers of America, the City of Virginia Beach and the faith-based community, she said.

"They see how welcome they are into the faith communities where people have been so caring and generous to them," Maloney said. "They have people waiting at the door telling them they're glad they're there, instead of telling them to move on."

Art Becker is one of the volunteers who arrives before daybreak to cook breakfast and returns in the evening to prepare dinner.

He is often accompanied by his wife, Donna, and children, Sarah, 12, Joseph, 20, John Hart, 20 - and granddaughter, Leilani Hart, 2.

"You cannot appreciate what you have until you've walked in someone else's shoes," Becker said. "I've see many sides of life since doing this."

Sarah likes seeing the smiles on the faces of the homeless.

"It feels good to help other people," she said. "We're helping them survive."

Glenn and Esther Diskin of Haygood Point, and their children, Gabriella, 9, Ben, 13, and Melissa, 20, also volunteer to serve food a few times during the week.

"It reminds us of the tough conditions people in this country are facing and lets our kids know there are people out here who deserve our respect and help," said Glenn Diskin.

That's why Ben said he always tries to make their visit the best he can and when the week is over, the eighth-grader at Norfolk Academy said, "I have a good feeling in my heart."

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net