This is a P-38 can opener.
Those who are former military may recognize these - they were included in canned field rations from 1942 - 1980s. I was in a church meeting today (1/23/21) for
Kyle United Methodist Church
. The church has had a blessings box food pantry on church property for the last few years (thank you to those who have and continue supported it) and, with the help of individuals and groups in town it has stayed fairly stocked. The need is still there and the canned goods inside tend to get picked up and refilled several times a week.Anyhow... while talking to someone who was picking up food, Pastor
Stella Burkhalter
learned that, while it's not something most think about as essential because most of us have several of them lying around, there are some who are experiencing a change in housing, homelessness or have left a bad situation and don't have a can opener. It's not something you think about needing until you're looking at a can and don't know how to open it... So.. P-38 Can Openers.
While looking for inexpensive items I could find in bulk I came across $50 for a pack of 100. They are also on Amazon for $169.96 for a pack of 500 (photo below).
Why else did these jump out at me?
It says "U.S. Shelby Co." on the piece.... Thats' because P-38s were produced at the Mallin Shelby Hardware Inc in Shelby, Ohio.
Shelby Ohio. That is where my Grandparents are from and where my father grew up. My grandfather is 95 years old and on February 3, 2020 my grandmother passed away in Shelby). It was just 13 days shy of what would have been their 75th Anniversary,
SO...to help me honor them... if anyone would like to pitch in with me to buy 100 or 500 P-38 Can openers with "U.S. Shelby Co" stamped on them that will be used to hand out to folks who are in need... Donate what you like to me at my PayPal.
FYI:
This post was adapted from a post I made on Facebook on January 23, 2021. I'm posting it February 19, 2021... but post-dating it so the story of this Journey is captured from the beginning. When Love Moves First, amazing things can happen.
#LoveMovesFirst
