Newsweek reports that former President Obama surprised a food bank in Chicago yesterday by showing up and pitching in to help volunteers prepare food in advance of Thanksgiving. The laudable establishment, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, shared a video of Obama on their official Twitter account, giving viewers a brief glimpse of the former president in action.
Thank you to @BarackObama and @ObamaFoundation for joining our volunteers today at the Food Depository. We believe no one should go hungry, especially this time of year, and that’s why we’re working to address the root causes of hunger in Chicago and Cook County. pic.twitter.com/d6YfBjvJl2
— Chicago’s Food Bank (@FoodDepository) November 20, 2018
It’s a beautiful thing to see Obama once again demonstrate the depth of his genuine compassion, reminding Americans what true moral leadership looks like during a dark time when there is no such thing emanating from the White House.
The Obama Foundation also shared footage from Obama’s trip to the food bank, using it to promote the depository and spread awareness of its mission to provide food to those most in need of it. In it, the former president praises the food bank and explains the important work it does.
The Greater Chicago @FoodDepository is a local non-profit organization that provides nourishing food for those in need. This Thanksgiving week, @BarackObama stopped by to give back. pic.twitter.com/I5ce5ypvEG
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) November 21, 2018
President Obama also took to his personal Twitter. He said that he is “grateful for the next generation of leaders,” praising those who work in food banks and charitable institutions all across the country. He also said that “hope requires action,” a useful piece of advice given the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that many Americans feel under the current administration.
It’s encouraging to hear that Obama maintains optimism for the future of our country and that he sees our leadership drawing from those who give of themselves to others rather than those who behave selfishly like Donald Trump. A little positivity is exactly what Americans need this holiday season.
I am grateful for the next generation of leaders — the young people who are tolerant, creative, idealistic and doing the work to create the world as it should be. Who understand that hope requires action. From the Obama family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. https://t.co/AbjXUwCh6z
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 21, 2018
Newsweek also rightfully points out that while President Obama spent yesterday volunteering, President Trump chose instead to board Air Force One and head south to West Palm Beach, Florida, his favored stomping ground.
It will come as no surprise that the president spent today golfing instead of doing anything remotely charitable.
NOW: President Trump departs from Trump International Golf Club en route to Mar-a-Lago. This gentleman on the left side has been waiting all afternoon to see the motorcade. @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/QXsBp1U9QZ
— Anthony Kustura (@anthonykustura) November 21, 2018
Rather than help others, he’d rather waste more taxpayer dollars playing golf. Once again, President Obama has shown himself to be a man of class, integrity, and love, indirectly revealing Trump’s hollow egocentrism in the process.