One snack bag at a time

Kindness makes a difference — in our community, in our lives, and with the people we love. Being kind is something we do. "Be kind" requires intention but also a commitment to being a kinder person. During difficult times, we focus on the negative and react more, rather than mindfully responding. Some people just move through the world gently and are kind by nature. They care and always have a smile. And more importantly, they are ready to help when help is needed. 

Lauri deGaris was that kind of person. She was always ready with a smile and made everyone feel welcome and heard. I remember the first time we met. She made me feel like we were best friends. She was like that with everyone.

Lauri was a gift to our community. Many know her for her love of whales and nature, but she also had an extraordinary and generous heart of service. Every Saturday morning for many years, she would show up with a basket of simple brown bags filled with goodness for our underserved and unsheltered. She always had a kind word, a smile on her face, and compassion for those she served. She was much loved by the Saturday morning volunteers and the people she served at the Drop-In Center. She would often bestow a small gift to one of the people in our community — a shell on a necklace, or a sand candle. She was always happy to help and to love. When one of our people passed away recently, Lauri wrote a note of kind remembrance which was read at Daniel's service:  

My heart is heavy today. I am very sad to hear the news about Daniel. Daniel was there every Saturday morning to help me unload my car. He loved PB&J sandwiches and told me so each week. On several occasions, he gave me peanut butter for the sandwiches. He wanted to help others, too. Daniel had a giving heart. 

 

I am honored to help all of you who care so deeply for those in our community who are in need. Preparing weekly snack bags of love is something I look forward to each week. I may not be able to feed the world, but I can feed twenty people a week. And I will continue to do so as long as I am able.  

 

Rest in peace, Daniel my friend. Rest in peace.

Lauri

Rest in peace, Lauri our friend. We miss you. Your kindness showed us how the world becomes more loving, compassionate, and giving — one snack bag of love at a time. 

A Celebration of Life for Lauri will be held at the Women’s Club of Fernandina Beach, located at 201 Jean LaFitte Boulevard, Fernandina Beach, on March 15, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Zen and her husband, John Carver, have lived in Nassau County for thirteen years. They are active in the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless and serve the community in many ways.

If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer - about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed kindness, or about kindness and compassion in general - please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com