Help the homeless with Xmas gift packages

[Kip Humphrey]

There are 6 homeless men (most are veterans) who frequent the main intersections in my neighborhood. This year, instead of exchanging gifts, we are preparing 6 holiday packages consisting of:
1 Land's End gortex lined waterproof hooded windbreaker
1 pair hunting socks
1 knit cap
1 pre-paid (100 minutes) cell phone
1 Luby's gift certificate ($50)
1 Metro bus pass ($50)

Each package costs $265 and, overall, we won't be spending that much more than we otherwise would for our family gift giving.

I encourage all who read this to take the time and resources to help someone less fortunate than yourself this holiday season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[LakeSamish706]

1. Great job, and thats an excellent idea... My wife and I were just talking about...

not buying toys for Grand kids this year because of the China factor and all... You have just given me the idea that I needed and it will all be done in the name of the Grand kids...

[JDPriestly]

2. Thanks. Those of us who can't spend $265 can still bring joy

with a couple of bags of ordinary groceries. Go to the 99cents store if you want to get some holiday goodies just to bring some cheer. Even a small gift can make a person feel worthwhile and cared for.

[bobbolink]

3. That is soooo fine! It used to be that most people had things they needed, so gifts made sense.

Now, so many people not only have all they need, but MORE than enough.

Giving to those of us who have so little is much appreciated, and a very thoughtful way to be in the world.

I really detest cell phones, myself, but living in my car I've come to the point where I can see the usefulness of them. I suspect they will be well-received!

Thank you for thinking of all of us who are left outside with our noses pressed to the glass!

:applause:

[Kip Humphrey]

5. Getting a job without a permanent address is tough enough; without a phone its near impossible

[bobbolink]

7. Not everyone can get a job. Getting ANYTHING without a phone is near impossible!

And I understand that pay phones will be phased out by the end of next year.

I have no idea what I will do then.

[eleny]

18. I had no idea they were being phased out

It's hard to imagine them all being gone. I do hope that there will be some scattered around towns. Perhaps businesses will make phones available for people without phones and maybe just charge a small fee for the use. This is the pits when the public is forced, once again, to feed corporate greed. As if they owed nothing back for all they've gotten.

[bobbolink]

40. When I had a place to live, and a phone, I got a big discount for phone service.

Can you imagine cell phone companies doing that for poor and homeless people?????

[Peace Candidate]

19. It is also extremely difficult to get a job without an address

Can a person give a gift certificate for a PO box?

[bobbolink]

41. Sorry. No PO boxes without a street address.

Another gift from "homeland security".

:nuke:

[bobbolink]

47. Welcome to DU, Peace Candidate!

:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

Are you a candidate for office somewhere??

thanks for your concern for poor folk.... it's getting rarer and rarer...

[Breeze54]

32. State Employment Offices have phones for use by the unemployed.

They do in my state.

[AngryOldDem]

4. That's laudable

But keep in mind that some may turn around and sell the clothes, which is their right, of course, but that's not what you intend for them to do.

Instead, please consider monetary donations or donations to agencies that help the homeless, especially overnight shelters.

Typical needs include:

-- Socks and underwear, of all sizes, for all ages, even babies
-- Knit hats and gloves, which can be a great community service project for clubs, schools, etc.
-- Over-the-counter medications, like aspirin, Tyelenol, Tums...whatever is in your bathroom cabinet. (No alcohol-based products like mouthwash, though, please.)
-- Disposable diapers of all sizes, and other baby needs like powder, soap, shampoo, pain relievers, etc.

Hotel-size soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc. are ALWAYS appreciated.

Monetary donations would help keep shelters running with day-to-day stuff like styrofoam coffee cups, restauarant-size foil and Saran wrap, and other stuff that we often need but always seem to be out of. (Including bus tokens, which we buy in bulk from the transit company -- a small fortune.)

And...if you have any time Monday or Tuesday, consider spending some time at a shelter helping out. Dinner servers are always needed, as are people to help staff take care of guests in their dorms. It's rewarding, and a very nice way to spread holiday cheer.

[bobbolink]

6. I *strongly* disagree with your suggestion---AGENCIES get all the attention

There are MANY who don't get *anything* from agencies... many of them are only for people with children, etc.

BESIDES, giving personally to those whom you see on a regular basis means so much.

Don't take away what little they get, and don't take away from good impulses like this.

Many of us are left alone and it's very hard at this time of year!

Being remembered means a lot!

[Kip Humphrey]

11. Our gifts are highly personal

Two key parts of our homeless gifts are appreciation and dignity - two characteristics everyone needs. I don't take away from the good works of our food bank and shelters (both which I support). But to let these guys know they are valued as human beings, that is personal to me.

While I will not be surprised if some or most of our gifts end up in the veins of these homeless folk, I've tried to make the gifts of sufficient practical import so as to reduce the likelihood of that outcome.

[Hoof Hearted]

23. I think you misunderstood Bobbolink's post, who was responding to post#4, not your OP

Post #4 (by AngryOldDem) was giving you a pat on the back while at the same time trying to say you weren't doing it right.

BobboLink was supporting you. :)

[bobbolink]

42. What you said is exactly what I meant. Your gifts may indeed save lives!

I was replying to the person who criticized and said to give to agencies, instead.

If you read my other posts, you will see that I support what you did wholeheartedly (and as a homeless person myself, I have the authority to say that! hehehe), and deeply appreciate the personal touch you offered.

I don't say it lightly... it's very possible that you have saved lives with these personal gifts!!

:applause: :hug: :yourock:

[AngryOldDem]

56. Why am I not surprised?

And I call bullshit on your response.

For your information, I am a second-shift guest attendant (working 3 to 11 p.m.) for about 50 homeless women in a shelter that houses roughly 200 men, 50 women, and 25 families, with upwards of 50 kids at any given time, any given night. Do you REALIZE the frustration we often feel when we cannot PROVIDE the basics of what they ask for, as in the stuff I mentioned in my post?

Do you realize how we feel when guests come to us asking for the simple basics, like a Tums or a Tylenol -- or even a goddamned pair of underwear and socks -- and we have to look them in the eye and say, "Sorry, don't have it?"

I take great offense to your post because my colleagues and I are NOT working "for" an agency, per se, we are WORKING to EASE the lives of people who have it hard enough as it is. Sometimes just the basics mean more than any grand gesture of largesse that is only given ONE FUCKING TIME out of the year.

And sorry to disappoint, but some guests do take their gifts and resell them. They brag about it. They make no bones about it. That's the way it is, that's their choice -- I was just pointing out other ways that people may want to help, in any small way they can. Any ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED. Do you have a problem with that, too?

As for your comment about agencies -- my colleagues and I are dealing with a lot of political bullshit that could threaten the very safety of the homeless you speak so passionately about. We are fighting a city and other agencies that HAVE NO CLUE as to how homelessness affects human beings -- we are doing our jobs well by keeping in mind the people whom we are there to serve. So, I think I know whereof I speak on this issue, and if we agree to disagree on it, so be it.

[L0oniX]

8. Why do people only help the homeless during Xmas? We feed them every weekend.

Giving them help once a year isn't really helping them much. Get ready for the economic crash. One day soon you also may be homeless.

[bobbolink]

9. The poster is doing something very good---more than most "liberals" even THINK of doing.

Give him/her a break.

And the holidays are very tough on homeless people, who have no celebrations to attend, no family, etc.

I'm homeless, and I applaud the poster!

[L0oniX]

14. I am only making a point that they should be helped all year long.

Why do you think I am not giving the op a break? You are welcome to come eat every Saturday in Clearwater FL at 2pm, where you won't be preached at but given good food and be made full.

[Kip Humphrey]

15. L0oniX, I agree. Thank you for what you do!

[Kip Humphrey]

12. I'm glad to help year-around (and do). However, Xmas is when millions of Americans

spend gobs of money on gift giving. I'm suggesting, as an alternative, to keep it personal and give practical gifts to fulfill "needs" where possible. My son may want that Playstation 3 but he doesn't need it nor will he miss it. The homeless in my neighborhood need to stay warm, need to eat, and, maybe, if they can ride the bus and have a phone... just maybe, one of them will parlay those gifts into getting a job and turning their life around. Worth a try anyway.

[L0oniX]

16. We also try to get them jobs, buss passes, underware, socks, blankets, soap, tooth paste and brush.

I just wish we could get more people to help because we can only feed them one day and they are going without food on 3 other days. This is an all year long effort. The homeless people I talk to every weekend say that they know that people only help during Xmas so as to make themselves feel good. This is what they say, not me. You should hear what the homeless Iraqi vets have to say.

[Kip Humphrey]

17. No question about it - I feel good too helping out someone. I bet you reap similar intangible

rewards doing what you do too. I see nothing wrong with deriving personal satisfaction sharing my good fortune with those who can use it. I also recognize that often what a homeless person needs most is much more than most are willing to give. We are currently helping a homeless man turn his life around (#3 - 2 successes and counting!), giving him the space and resources to get his life back on track. Not every homeless person is sufficiently self-motivated, but when I find one who is, I jump in and commit to providing whatever is needed. Bottom line is these folks do it all themselves. I just give them the space and support to succeed.

[L0oniX]

34. I don't do it for a reward ...I do it because of my belief.

In any case, I am happy when anyone helps the homeless for whatever their reasons are. It is hard on the conscience when you get to know these people out in the street, when you have a nice warm home and a job. I catch myself and stop from saying -have a nice day- when we part after the feedings. I worry about them when one of the regulars doesn't show up.

[freeplessinseattle]

33. how do you know this is only a once-a-year thing?

why poop on someone's else's kindness in a way that seems to only build yourself up? I regulary give to the homeless, particularly one group under the freeway nearby, but am also putting together some nifty gift-wrapped packages that will make them feel special and bring some bright Christmas spirit.

I understand where you are coming from, many people do only seem to care once a year, but it would be more appropiate and received better if a separate thread was started.

[L0oniX]

45. If you really do help the homeless then you know that weekly help means a lot more to them.

I am not trying to poop on anyones op. I'd rather see people helped once a year than not at all. You missed the point. If you really do help the homeless and get to know them you will find out that regular weekly help means much more to them than a once a year gift. They are homeless all the time and they are hungry most of the time and they are cold much of the time in the winter. Not everyone has a few hundred dollars to give at one time, especially at Xmas time.

[bobbolink]

53. Being a homeless person myself, as I said before, I disagree with you.

The personal touch, being remembered at a very lonely time of year, is VERY important, and I would love to have been remembered in this way.

I will also say again.... I wouldn't be at all surprised if the OP has saved some lives with that generosity.

[bobbolink]

10. Can we pleeeez get some more recommendations?

This is, afterall, the true holiday spirit!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

50. OK. It's inspired me...

I don't have much, but when I make cookies and banana bread for family this weekend, I can make extra for David, Tina, Troy and and the others that live around here.

I finally feel like I have a little holiday spirit. :)

[bobbolink]

54. Awwww, thanks!

:applause:

That means a lot!

Save a few crumbs for me, too, eh? :) :hi:

Happy holidays to you and your "spirit", Viva!

[Peace Candidate]

13. what a beautiful post!

Thank you so much for posting this.

The only thing is...most people probably cannot afford $265, but maybe if you can find a more inexpensive coat or blanket, maybe even from the salvation army...I think this package would be appreciated greatly.

Perhaps bobbolink can add to this and tell us exactly what is needed?

[Peace Candidate]

20. Error: You don't have enough posts to recommend a thread

help me out here folks...

I think that personal gifts like these do far more than donating to second harvest and the like, who sometimes spend more on administration costs than give to actual people in need.

[Midlodemocrat]

21. You're completely wrong about Second Harvest and their administration costs.

[Peace Candidate]

26. I remember reading about this on DU last year

and something about them not cooperating with other organizations.

I just think if you give personally, you KNOW that gift is in the right hands immediately.

Even if you only have $50 you can fill up a bag of groceries and leave it where it is needed.

[shireen]

28. info on second harvest financials (2005 data)

http://charityreports.bbb.org/Public/Report.aspx?CharityID=2331

Programs: 98%
Fund Raising: 1%
Administrative: 1%

That's pretty darn efficient.


However, I refuse to donate to any charity where the CEO makes more than $150,000 (local charity), or $250,000 (national charity). For Second Harvest, the CEO's compensation was $356,535.

Personally, I prefer to donate to local charities, to feel more connected to my community.

[Peace Candidate]

29. Second Harvest, the CEO's compensation was $356,535.

!!!!!!

Who are they hiring to run this organization?? What kind of person would take that kind of compensation...

[shireen]

35. unfortunately, it's fairly common in national charities

I posted about this some time back, at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2102532

[Peace Candidate]

36. Interesting...

Thanks for the info.

[bobbolink]

43. Yet, most people would rather give in a corporate way, than a personal way.

How far we have sunk.................

[bobbolink]

38. The manager of the food bank in a small town close by admitted to embezzling funds.

Talk about taking food out of starving peoples' mouths!

Yet, that kind of lawlessness never seems to get the spotlight.

[bobbolink]

37. I agree completely! Thanks for understanding!!

Impersonal charities miss the mark.

[Fire Walk With Me]

22. Thank you! Recommending!

[shireen]

24. thoughtful gesture, and another suggestion

That's very thoughtful of you Kip. The choice of items shows you and your friends gave a lot of thought to how they live, and what would be most useful for them.

Another suggestion for gift-giving this holidays, set up a monthly recurring donation to a charity, and do it in honor of someone you love, or in the memory of someone you lost. There's a neat website called networkforgood.org which has an extensive database of local and national charities. They also have "gift cards", where you can give someone a gift of money for donating to a charity of their choice. Donations can also be made anonymously if you don't want the charity to know your identity.

[Peace Candidate]

25. "giving personally to those whom you see on a regular basis means so much"

needs to be repeated- thanks bobbolink!

[bobbolink]

39. I walk in those shoes, so I know whereof I speak!

A regular, everyday person just went out and totally knocked me off my feet in surprise -- she went out and bought me a new sleeping bag so I wouldn't be so cold sleeping in my car. Her hug as she gave it to me was waaaaaaay more than anyone could ever get from an agency!

I met a minister who organized his church to do a "More Than A Meal" program. He told them that one thing poor and homeless people never get is to go to a restaurant and be served. So, they fix a great meal, and serve it sitdown to the poor folk who come. Also sitting with them are other members of the congregation, and they are there to converse, listen, and get to know people on a person-to-person basis.

What has come out of that is personal friendships, which have resulted in real personal help. Some homeless people have been brought home with members who then help them get back on their feet.

PERSONALLY.

Not as a number.

Not as a project.

But as humans who learn to know and like each other.

What a concept.

[rasputin1952]

27. Just a thought...

For one thing, what you have done is in the Grandest Traditions of the Christmas/Holiday Spirit, I commend you.

For just a second, I'd like to mention that for those who do not have the means to do something like this, one can always expend some, time. It is not surprising to know that many of these people need an ear to listen to them, not all of what they have to say is, "woe is me" stuff.

One other thing...one need not bundle all they want to do into one deed...spread it out a little. Gifts of warm clothing, food and other necessities are good, but so is giving to your local shelter or food bank...spread it out a little.

For all who have expressed the desire to, and have, helped those in need...you have done what many others hope to do, and have inspired others to get involved. Each of us can alleviate some pain and sorrow in our corner of this community, it is what keeps us all meshed together.

O8)

[bobbolink]

44. I disagree with you on the shelter and food bank, as I've said before on this thread.

First, because that is what most people do. It's the easiest, and most "sanitary".... one doesn't get one's hands "dirty".

But second, because of what you said about people needing to be heard and listened to..... giving personally, as the OP did, leads to relationship. Shelters and food banks don't.

What the OP did was GREAT.

You, and others, may choose differently.

BUT I hope the OP never changes tactics because of what someone on DU says!

[rasputin1952]

49. All I was trying to do was to say that spreading out the

gifts one gives may also be beneficial. Sorry if you did not pick that up, and I did commend the OP for their generosity and what they have done.

In the end, each person can do what they want, either on a personal level, a general level or nothing at all.

It is a personal decision that each must make; my attempt was merely to remind people that there are many ways to things that benefit others. You are certaily within your right to disagree, but the object is top aid those who need it, regardless of how it is done.

O8)

[bobbolink]

52. I think EVERYONE is aware of shelters and foodbanks.

I don't think that needs "reminding".

What NEEDS reminding is the personal relationship.

[nonconformist]

30. How wonderful! K & R

[suffragette]

31. Kip , You are good people!

This is a wonderful action and idea.

[bobbolink]

46. I agree completely! Person to person..... eye to eye.

the way we 'murkins USED to help each other!

[bobbolink]

48. another kick for the evening... and for cold, homeless people everywhere!

:hi:

:grouphug:

[Summer93]

51. Thanks for your efforts

Thanks also to others who have shared other ways to help.
Wouldn't this be great if it were to catch on and start a new trend by people to help people. It would bypass the corp ceo who clearly needs no help.

[Peace Candidate]

55. kick

for the best post on DU ever!
:toast: