Barbara Lawlor, Nederland. Jake from Omaha, Nebraska, studied literature in college in Lincoln, earning a degree in English. At the age of 25, he chose to take his words on a road trip, become a traveling poe. His destination was the Arts and Music Festival in Colorado Springs, but he ended up in Nederland, at the Community Presbyterian Church, where he found a free lunch and new warm socks.

The Sandwiches and Socks program began its second year two weeks ago, with local volunteers putting out the makings for sandwiches, along with fruit, cookies, and other treats from the Nederland Food Bank.

Not only does the program offer food, but it also offers hugs, welcoming smiles, willing listeners to life stories, and advice and information on where to legally camp. Jake says he was going to spend about eight days camping, resting his body and then head on to the Sonic Bloom Arts and Music Festival.

As he sat at a table in the Presbyterian Church last Thursday, he wrote poems for the locals who chatted with him, learning a little about them and putting his observations into thoughtful phrases. He says people like to get poems written for them and he’s at the point in his life where he’s looking for direction.

“But it is the journey, not the destination. The destination is like ignoring where you want to be.”

Jake was one of about 10 people who dropped in for the free meal. Most of them heard about the program from people in Boulder. Last year, the free lunch was introduced as a way of communicating with the many transients who live in campgrounds around the Nederland area. Instead of ignoring them or complaining about them, local volunteers decided to embrace their presence and give them a helping hand, a way of offering understanding and respect.

After its success debut last year, the program continues to offer lunch and company.