It was still pretty chilly when we got out of bed on Saturday morning, but the sun was trying to peak out through the clouds, and the weather forecast was calling for a high of zero degrees. We had a quick breakfast and immediately started preparing for our Outreach # 18. Beau made 60 cups of coffee in the urn. We packed up the milk, cream, sugar, as well as 20 fruit cups, 64 granola bars, and about 2 dozen bananas. We also packed 1 ½ rack worth of clothing items, some men’s and women’s shoes and boots, socks, gloves, mitts, hats, scarves, and toiletries. We left the house by 10:15 AM and made a quick stop to buy a few packages of disposable coffee cups, before heading downtown. We arrived in front of the Salvation Army at 10:40 AM and quickly set up the table with the coffee and treats. We had purchased a plastic storage container with three drawers to organize all of the soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, etc., and also placed that on the table for easy access. We then put together the rack and hung up the clothing items, as well as put out the containers of footwear, socks, and winter hats, mitts, and scarves.
In no time there was a flurry of activity, as some of the fellows and ladies started browsing through the clothing, helping themselves to some strong, hot coffee, and enjoying some of the available treats. Everyone seemed happy to have some nice, hot coffee on such a cold November morning!
Today we actually had a few people take us up on our offer to come to join us during the outreach. First, we were joined by Tina, who last week had donated a bag full of travel-sized toiletries. It was nice to have the opportunity to meet up and chat with you, Tina. As you saw for yourself, all of the donations are so much needed and appreciated. Thanks so much again for your support. Our second visitors were Carly and Nathan, who not only dropped by for a chat but also brought along a container full of donations, including winter hats, mitts, and scarves, among other things. Carly and I quickly added these items to the rack/bins, so people would immediately have access to them. It was wonderful to meet both of you, and we are very thankful for your generous donation. By actually joining us for a while, it gave you the chance to see firsthand how much these donations are needed and appreciated! The last person to stop by was a fellow named Scott, who lives in the building directly across from the Salvation Army. He noticed us while looking out of his window, and decided to give us a donation of 3 garbage bags full of men’s clothing. Thank you so much, Scott. Since you live directly in the downtown core, you must see the need out on the streets on a daily basis! Rest assured that your most generous donation will definitely be going directly to those who need them the most.
Before we knew it, a few hours had gone by, and the coffee and treats were all gone. By 12:15 PM we packed up the car and headed home after another very successful outreach day! It was really lovely to actually have some of you join us during the outreach, and we hope to have many more visits like this in the future! As always, we are in continuous need of warm winter clothing items and footwear, especially men’s. We really need sweaters, hoodies, fleece items, jackets and coats, boots, mitts, hats, scarves, etc. We are willing to pick up donations anywhere within the Ottawa area. Just email us or contact us through Facebook messenger. We want to thank each and every one of you for any and all donations. Without all of you, we couldn’t do what we do!