We woke up early this morning knowing that it was supposed to be quite a cold day today. We would certainly have to wear multiple layers to stay warm during the couple of hours that we were planning on being outside in front of the Salvation Army for our Outreach # 21. Beau immediately pointed out that our 21st outreach is on the 21st of December. This is a wonderful sign that it will be a perfect day! After a nice cup of tea/coffee, and some hearty oatmeal, we quickly got to work preparing and organizing for the day ahead. We had purchased 48 apple and cherry turnovers, which we packed individually into sandwich bags. We realize that it is not the best thing environmentally, to be using single-use plastic bags, however, keeping things sanitary for everyone is even more important! Beau prepared 60 cups of coffee in the urn, as well as almost 50 cups of hot chocolate in a huge pot on the stove. Once we brought it to a boil, we poured the hot chocolate directly into our other hot beverage container. We prepared the milk, cream, and sugar. I had wrapped a large empty box, both inside and out, with pretty Christmas paper.
We then filled the box with the many random items we have been given over time (i.e.: flashlight, fake tattoos, filled toiletry bags, larger bottles of body wash, shampoo, bubble bath, face masks, creams, body lotions, hair products, hairdryer w/accessories, makeup, nail polish, large toothpaste, lip balm, etc.) Our friend Denis arrived at our place just before 9:00 AM, so that he could help transport some of the items in his vehicle. We quickly got busy packing everything into the two cars. We packed 1 ½ racks worth of warm winter clothing items, as well as a number of extra winter coats, snow pants, and vests. We packed a large container full of socks, boxers, and undershirts, and another large container stuffed full of gloves, mitts, hats, tuques, neck warmers, and scarves.
We packed a large box full of winter boots, and the 3 drawer chest full of toiletries. We packed the coffee, hot chocolate, and all the accessories, as well as the turnover treats. We packed the table, the rack, and finally the large X-mas box. Finally, we headed downtown with our cars stuffed to capacity.
As soon as we arrived downtown in front of the Salvation Army at 10:30 AM, we saw quite a number of individuals out in the bitterly cold morning. We immediately set up the table with the coffee, hot chocolate, turnovers, 3 drawer chest, and the large “help yourself’ X-mas box. We set up the rack, hung up the clothing, and put out the bins with the socks and mitts, etc. In no time there seemed to be an even larger than normal crowd looking through & picking out clothing items, helping themselves to hot beverages, sweet turnover snacks, and having some great conversations and laughs with Denis, Beau, and I.
Everyone seemed to be in an especially good mood with the magic of Christmas in the air. When we looked around we saw many happy faces, even if it was just then an there, being in the moment and enjoying it. There were many offers of thanks and appreciation, Merry Christmas’s, and Happy New Year’s. Within a few hours, the hot chocolate and turnovers were gone, as well as most of the coffee, clothing and X-mas gifts. It was time to pack up and head back to our humble abode. It was definitely a most successful “Christmas” outreach. Thank you so much for joining us and helping out Denis. It was great having you there!
We want to take this time out to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for making these outreach days possible consistently for the past 10 months! 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!
We at Project Dignity for All want to wish everyone an absolutely wonderful Christmas celebration, as well as a healthy and very Happy New Year!