Each year, my organization gets donations for and puts together bags of toiletry items, socks and a warm item (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.) for people living with mental illness who are homeless. I'm super proud of our outreach committee because we put this on ourselves this year, with no corporate sponsorship, and we got more than 500 bags of donations!
I volunteer at the organization where we donated them, and got to help at the holiday party last Saturday. People were so happy to get the basics. It was humbling. I've never had to get socks or toothpaste from complete strangers.
What never ceases to amaze me, however, is that some idiots give us USED things that no one would want.
A tip for the uninitiated: no one wants your used socks or chapsticks! Or condoms, for that matter.
We also got condoms donated from the health department, which cracked up some of the guests.
One lady asked me, "Why did we get condoms?" And I replied, "We want everyone to have as Merry a Christmas as possible!"
Hope you enjoy the holidays. If you are able, think about taking some new socks or undies to your local organization that helps the homeless. It will be much appreciated.
20 comments:
According to a smell test these used undies are just fine. I don't see what the problem is. Homeless people should be thankful to receive my shredded, Swiss cheese-looking undies. But really, though, people will "donate" the most awful things. That's every bit as hilarious as it is terrible.
We hope you have a great Christmas/holiday season/New Year!
It is a humbling reminder of just how fortunate we are isn't it? I have had to save up for shampoo, but that is as poor as I have been. And was some time ago.
Yay for the work you do.
Hiss and spit that it is necessary.
Nice job! I love that you do this every year and your response to the condom question was priceless. Next time tell them, "it's better than the gift that keeps on giving!" ;)
You're a good person, RK....I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...may 2016 treat you and yours kindly. What goes 'round, comes 'round...you deserve much goodness and more(no socks, though)! :)
Hi Riot Kitty,
Having also worked with the homeless, the rough sleepers, invariably with the mental issues such an environment can bring, I applaud you for what you do. There is so much beyond the unfair stigma attached.
A peaceful, hopeful holiday season to you and our resilient, remarkable friends who certainly don't want used socks.
Gary
Bless you, Riot Kitty, and all the homeless too. Especially at this time of year.
Hooray for socks and underwwear! I have a friend who supervises a group home for mentally disabled men, and our group would put together similar bags for them at Christmas - no condoms however...
It's humbling. And many people forget that bare necessities are gifts to some. Thanks for organizing such things. And it really bothers me when people donate their "trash".
I guess they're pretty shitty gifts unless you don't have them.
No used socks or chapsticks unless... Well, finish that one for me.
Condoms. Always a good idea.
When my kids were very small I was so poor. There were times when I could not afford to buy a loaf of bread. We got food from the food bank a lot and I was always grateful but there were times when it felt like a smack in the face. Jello from the 60's. Cans that were so old that they were bulging. Who gives that sort of stuff to the food bank?
Actually, that reminds me of a local grocery store owner. He is worth billions. For Christmas he chose to give his own store brand mac and cheese that is total shit. Does he think what he is doing is good and charitable? It makes me sad and angry that he gives his worst and expects people to be grateful.
That's awesome y'all did that. We have "caring tree" at my church and gather stuff for families in need, but make sure there are Christmas presents for the children. My friend Alice delivered stuff to one family who had absolutely nothing - they were sleeping on the floor and there was nothing to sit on. No table - nothing. So she rallied up stuff from people and now they have beds, a table and chairs and a sofa. I love that she did that and feel so fortunate that I have never been in that situation.
Well done for doing such a great job and helping so many. My mum was getting rid of a lot of my Dads old clothes, and we gave them to an organisation to help the homeless. I know my Dad would have wanted that. Happy Christmas to you!!
Hope X-mas was as good for you as it was for me. Meow! Now, excuse me while I go and prove I'm not a robot.
Warm clothes are especially important at this time of year too! Thanks for a great year! Hope your Christmas was nice and here's too a fantastic New Year!
Something about a USED CHAPSTICK -- not even the used condom or socks/underwear -- strikes me as particularly gross. (Not that the others aren't nasty too.)
Merry Christmas!
Such good, important work. We always try to include shelters in our festive gifting.
Happy new year!
You are a good girl, a good helper, a good friend even though you try to hide it. I know all you do and am proud to call you my friend. Hope I can be a better blog friend this year. Love you!
:)
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