Giving back to those giving so much to our community
By Meryl Feld
Editor
A lot of bunt cakes. Cookies. Pies. And a layer cake. Oh my!
Debi Rosenberg has been bringing baked goods to the fire station across the street from her condo for a long while. Those trips became more regular when the pandemic hit.
Some weeks she is dropping yummy treats off once a week, other weeks it’s twice. Kansas City Fire Department Station 25 is always excited to see her coming, though. “They’re extremely appreciative,” she said.
“They put their lives on the line every day,” Rosenberg said. This is her way of giving back. Brightening the day of those serving our community is meaning for Debi. “I just feel like I’ve done something that hopefully makes somebody else’s day better,” she said.
Rosenberg initially connected with the firefighters during her walks. The firefighters would be relaxing outside and she’d stop for a schmooze — as many in her neighborhood do. From these chats she learned that the firefighters work 24 hours shifts and that the city doesn’t pay for their food while they’re working — part of what led her to bring goodies more often. Her sweet deliveries have allowed her to get to know the firefighters even better.
Before the pandemic, Rosenberg would occasionally bake something and bring it over. “Then the pandemic came. I really started baking with a vengeance to not lose my mind when the stay-at-home order started” she said. Rosenberg tried to expand her baking repertoire, but didn’t want her creations tempting her at home. Bringing the yummy treats to the firefighters seemed like an obvious answer.
Rosenberg is a KC Jewish community transplant — originally from Los Angeles — but immediately felt at home here. The community just felt warm and welcoming. She hopes people will tap into that more, especially now. Rosenberg encourages others to make a difference, too — however they are able to help.
Debi Rosenberg is part of the Ohev Shalom and Congregation Beth Shalom communities. She is the vice president of Sisterhood Membership at Beth Shalom. She is also on the synagogue’s Ritual Committee.