ALLENTOWN, Pa. – So many people and businesses step up to help people during the holidays, but once they’re over, donations often slow down, even though the need never does.
But two Lehigh Valley men try to help others, 24/7.
Zeke Zelker and Stephen Flowers are men from two different worlds, who have combined to deliver passion with purpose.
Flowers is a salon owner.
“I’m a local hair stylist,” Flowers said.
Zelker is a chef.
“Honestly, I was a latchkey kid as a little boy, and that’s actually how I learned how to cook,” smiled Zelker.
Together, they’ve been volunteering to help others at The Ripple Community Center in Allentown for years.
“We live in a world that moves too fast and forgets too often. But here in this space, I get to slow down. I get to breathe, and I get to be human with some of the most beautiful souls I have ever met,” said Flowers.
While Flowers provides the haircuts, Zelker looks to nourish them, not just feed them.
“It’s about bringing people together, especially in the winter, because people are so isolated right now,” said Zelker.
In the coldest stretch Allentown’s seen in years, there is light and warmth here.
“January comes, it’s doom it’s gloom it’s dark, it’s cold, you’re stuck in the house… imagine being homeless,” Flowers said.
They say everyone has the ability to give something back, and stay human.
“Goodness and kindness still exist. In me, in you. And in the moments we create when we choose compassion over everything else,” said Flowers.
A reminder that kindness has no expiration date.