Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to be part of a once a year event in Redding, called Homeless Connect at the convention center.
A friend of mine works for First 5 and I asked if I could help out at a booth she was putting together.
They collected clothes for kids birth to size ten, diapers, shoes, blankets and bibs.
I arrived early and helped sort out the clothes with other volunteers. I was amazed by the amount of folks already lined up outside for help.
Soon, we were busy with folks looking for school clothes, outfits for new babies, gifts for friends in payment for rent, and people so excited for diapers.
I spoke with different moms from the area who experienced addiction, loss from the bad economy, a bad relationship or fire/burglary.
I was able to talk to a women and encourage her about her boyfriend who had been sober 11 months. Jackquelin was her name. I told her I would be praying, and today as I reflect I see the face of her and her little newborn.
It was an amazing day spent with these people.
I know there is controversy about if people need assistance or if they are working the system, but I also know what it is like to have a life change. If it were not for the living arrangement I have here I might be on the street.
All of the people I spoke with were so thankful and some of them seemed almost embarrassed about taking it.
Seeing these people made me grateful for the things I do have and made me mindful of how much more I need to praise my savior.
A friend of mine works for First 5 and I asked if I could help out at a booth she was putting together.
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| Debbie from First 5 |
They collected clothes for kids birth to size ten, diapers, shoes, blankets and bibs.
I arrived early and helped sort out the clothes with other volunteers. I was amazed by the amount of folks already lined up outside for help.
 |
| This group of ladies were picking out clothes for each others kids |
Soon, we were busy with folks looking for school clothes, outfits for new babies, gifts for friends in payment for rent, and people so excited for diapers.
I spoke with different moms from the area who experienced addiction, loss from the bad economy, a bad relationship or fire/burglary.
 |
| She was fun to shop with. Her current boyfriend had a 4 month old that she was shopping for |
I was able to talk to a women and encourage her about her boyfriend who had been sober 11 months. Jackquelin was her name. I told her I would be praying, and today as I reflect I see the face of her and her little newborn.
It was an amazing day spent with these people.
I know there is controversy about if people need assistance or if they are working the system, but I also know what it is like to have a life change. If it were not for the living arrangement I have here I might be on the street.
All of the people I spoke with were so thankful and some of them seemed almost embarrassed about taking it.
Seeing these people made me grateful for the things I do have and made me mindful of how much more I need to praise my savior.
2 comments:
What an amazing way to spend the day mel. The Lord works in so many wonderful ways! It's neat that you got to do this and connect with some of the women. You were truly a servant to the Lord, honoring His name.
What an amazing way to spend the day mel. The Lord works in so many wonderful ways! It's neat that you got to do this and connect with some of the women. You were truly a servant to the Lord, honoring His name.
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