OUTREACH # 12 (Saturday, August 12, 2019)
We woke up bright and early this morning, in anticipation of our Outreach # 12. We were planning on arriving downtown between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. We made good time organizing and packing up the car with a full rack’s worth of clothing (2/3 men’s and 1/3 women’s), shoes, sandals, socks, boxers, and toiletries. We brewed 60 cups of coffee and then packed up the coffee urn, milk, cream, and sugar. A last-minute decision sent Beau on a speedy mission to buy 2 watermelons, 2 packs of strawberries, and a large bag of grapes. We quickly washed and cut up all of the fruit.
We filled 38 sandwich bags with equal amounts of fresh fruit, which we transported in a cooler bag. Doing this put us a little bit behind, but it was definitely worth it!
We arrived at the Salvation Army at 11:25 AM and were immediately greeted by a few regulars. One of the fellows offered to help us set up, and in just a few minutes the table and clothing rack was up.
We set up the coffee, and then put out the fruit, as well as a few mini muffins and some protein bars. The fresh fruit was a big hit among the fellows, and in no time the cooler was empty! Once we hung out all of the clothing on the rack, the “free shopping” began.
I was surprised by a large number of men who were picking out clothing. Some of their eyes lit up when I told them it was free. The lucky few who managed to get some of the boxers were particularly grateful since this is an item that is always difficult for them to get! This is why even gently used, clean boxers are so much appreciated as a donation! In no time all of the men’s clothing was gone. The last 1/3 of the rack was women’s items. There were two women who came by and picked out clothing, as well as a few men picking out items for their girlfriends. We did still have a few items left at the end. After a few hours, we decided to pack up and head home. As we were doing this, a very light sprinkling of rain began. The 40% chance of showers waited until after we were done! We won by taking a chance of 60%. Thank you Mother Nature!
As always we are in desperate need of men’s clothing that is gently used, clean, and in season. We need items that we can pass on right now! What we collect over the next two weeks, will be what we will be hanging on the rack during our next outreach (#13), planned for Saturday, August 24, 2019. We are always willing to come to any destination within the Ottawa area to pick up donations directly. Just email or message us (F.B) to arrange for a pickup.
We thank each and every one of you for any and all donations. Without all of you, we couldn’t do what we do!