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10-10-10, donate, give, help homeless people, help local, Homeless, hungy, volunteer, world homeless day
This SUNDAY,on the 10th of the 10th 2010 millions of people around the world will mark World Homeless Day in many varied ways and change the lives of homeless people in their local community. The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.This day is an initiative of our good old friends from Australia and I certainly hope that it will inspire you to get involved and try to spread the word.
When I was in Kenya, I was a part of an Outreach Program for the Internally Displaced People,part of this program was me living with IDP’s for 12 days in one of the 5 Camps we were involved with.I lived in a normal 4 person’s tent and felt guilty about such luxury, in comparison.This experience was priceless,I was able to raise awareness and draw attention to Kenya’s refugee needs and to help eliminate the stigmatization. Much like IDP, homeless people in America face very similar issues and live without basic stuff like FOOD, MEDICINE, HYGINE PRODUCTS…etc. I would like to see this World Homeless Day become another popular day and hip day to help. By this I mean, we are a very busy nation, working a lot, driving kids around, rushing through life like someone is chasing us into old age.It is therefore that Holidays seem like a perfect day to do something good. You are off work, have the time and plus you want to give someone else a nice Holiday too. The truth is we have way too many people do just that and not enough ‘regular’ day volunteers. The other day I met with a very inspirational gentleman, Mr.Michael Stoops,Director of Community Organizing at National Coalition for the Homeless. Mr. Stoop’s has been helping the homeless for over 40 years now, two of those years he even lived on the street as a full time homeless person himself! I was very inspired by this good hearted man and stories that he shared. One of his stories inspired me to write about the need to help on other days than Holidays. He basically just reminded me that this is a EVERY DAY life for many many people.
Lots of homeless people have diets consisting of fast food, basic staples such as bread and cheese and convenience food. While most homeless people don’t hold a job per se, many do earn some money by picking up and selling cans, plastic bottles or other recyclables. Because cooking is out of the question, the diet of a homeless person usually revolves around quick foods that can be bought ready-made or that require no heating or preparation. Fast food places such as McDonald’s are also popular because of their cheap menus and the fact that most locations are open 24 hours. You can help by donating good nutritious food directly on the street, packing a box with various foods for individuals and families or cooking a good nutritional meal at the shelter.
Whatever you do, DO IT NOW.Use this not yet popular WORLD HOMELESS DAY as you kick of day (and it’s 10-10-10,how cool!) or choose another random date, your favorite number or make up your own Homeless Help Day. Once a week, once a month , once a year… Ask yourself ‘Self, what can I do? How can I help homeless people, even though I don’t have much?’
Here are two of my favorite ways, make Hygiene Gift Bags,here are a few necessities you may want to include in your hygiene kits ( but do try to make female and male bags)
- soap
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- washcloth or hand towel
- deodorant
- comb
- shampoo
- tissues
- hand sanitizers
- feminine hygiene products
- Razor/shave cream
- socks
Make nutritional food gift boxes, or give pre paid cards to a good organic diner or a restaurant. And other items to give:
- Water- Specifically bottled water is a great and affordable item you can give to a homeless person. We all need water. Sometimes you can find bottled water at the grocery store that has a strap built onto it, so you can sling it over your shoulder. This would be a very thoughtful gift for a homeless person.
- Clothing – Specifically jackets. Why not clean out your closet and give away those warm winter jackets that are just gathering dust in your closet?
- Shoes – A good and durable pair of boots or tennis shoes would be an invaluable gift to a homeless person. I know we all take this simple luxury for granted when I see how many homeless people walk.
- First Aid Kit – This is a simple and lightweight item that would help any homeless person. You can buy great first aid kits for rout $10 at almost any drugstore. This simple gift would be priceless to a homeless person. I would not go for a bulky fist aid kit because they will have to carry it around with them. Look for something small that would fit into a pocket or a bag.
- Sunglasses – This is a very simple and useful gift. Many homeless people are exposed to a variety of environmental elements. Something as simple as sunglasses can make life little easier.
- Stationary – Ok, I don’t mean some stationary with fancy letterhead and their name on it. I mean what about a small bag filled with writing paper, a few pens, and even some pre stamped envelopes. You never know who a homeless person may wish they could get in contact with. Long lost family that they have been estranged from is probably a huge part of many home less people’s lives.
There are 1000 ways to help,really, but to help you get motivated here are some other thing you could do:
- Children that are homeless or in shelters don’t really have many toys to play with. Donate toys, books and games to family shelters.
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Volunteer at a local shelter. Shelters need volunteers all the time.
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Children who are homeless or in a shelter usually don’t have anyone to play with. Why not being a little sunshine to their day and take your kids to the local shelter to play with the kids there. They can color or play with dolls or model cars.
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Bring food when you go out. Whenever you go out for a walk, bring some crackers or fruit with you. If you happen upon a homeless person, offer them some extra food.
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Donate money to your local church or social organization that helps homeless people. Or donate to annual drives such as food drives or United Way.
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In many places, the homeless collect cans and bottles as a way of making extra money. If you recycle, why not give your recyclables to a homeless person?
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Recruit your company or child’s school to hold a fundraiser such as a craft sale or bake sale and donate the proceeds to a local shelter
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Go around your neighborhood and collect canned goods. Take these cans to a homeless shelter, food bank or soup kitchen.
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Many social services organizations that assist the homeless often need food, clothing and furniture. Calla the organizations in your area and ask what supplies they may need. Make a list for each organization, along with its address, phone number and contact person. Send these lists to area churches, American Legion, local businesses and schools
And to help you find where to help, here is a list of links:
ARTIST HELP CHILDREN-GREAT SITE !!
http://www.nationalhomeless.org
10-10-10 WORLD HOMELESS DAY SITE
Still think you have no time, well here is an idea. I would be more than happy to do it for you!!!! I am serious, send me the cash, I will go to the store, buy the items for you, and deliver the items/boxes in your name. After all is done I will even post it on my blog so you (and your family and friends) can see the happy faces! Anonymous or with your name published.
Whatever you do, make sure to write to me, I would love to know what you did! I will share how I spend the World Homeless Day on here, so check back in, and a big thank you for reading this! Happy Volunteering!
