Holiday Outreach Program, December 17th, 2011

I have to admit... I was really excited to volunteer at this event... since I signed up for "Toy Distribution".

I am sad to say, it was not what I expected.

People signed up for this event, and they arrived and checked in, and were given a ticket with a number on it.  They brought that ticket over to me, and I would call off the numbers, and a few other volunteers were in the back grabbing the bags that had the matching numbers on them.  The bags were big black trash bags, and they had the toys inside.  90% of the people grabbed the bags and moved on, not even saying thank you.  There were also women taking these donations with nice acrylic nails, some even airbrushed... they had their hair done... it just bothered me.  If you are accepting donations for your children for the holidays, yet hair your hair and nails done, perhaps your priorities need to change. Drastically.

Regardless, it was a nice event, and the participants were also given food.  There were a few people who were extremely thankful and that made it worth it.  Some of the children were adorable as well, and very thankful.

I volunteered at this event by myself, but the organizer of the Meetup group I belong to stopped by and took some pictures, which I will share below.

Me, standing in the doorway where I took peoples tickets to call of the numbers.  Hands on my hips, sassy as ever :)

Mercy House Cold Weather Armory Shelter Donation

Today I went around and picked up lots of clothing to be donated to this shelter. I also shopped the last few days with money people sent... Buying toiletries, gloves, beanies... I had so much fun. By the time I was done today, my trunk and entire back seat were at max capacity.

My friend Tina came with me to drop everything off. She handed out gloves to the people already waiting in line to be let into the shelter when it opened. That made me smile. She had one guy ask for black gloves which was kind of funny... But we found him some black ones.

It was an amazing feeling to drop everything off knowing many people will be warm thanks to everyone's generous donations. Thank you!!!

My full trunk...

My back seat, completely packed solid

Everything inside the Armory...

I am still collecting items!  Toiletries (travel sizes are preferred), razors, shaving cream, feminine products, socks, shoes (hiking boots, uggs), new underwear in packages, gloves, beanies, jackets, sweatshirts, pants... CASUAL clothing - warmth being the key, not style.

Whitten Heights Senior Center - Memory Care Program December 11th, 2011

Today I spent an hour and a half at Whitten Heights Senior Center on the second floor, which is their Memory Care program.

It was a little awkward, as they had the residents seated at a table, and the volunteers walked up to talk to them, but there were not seats for us and it was hard to talk to them the way it was set up a little bit.

There were a few birthdays for the month of December, only one of the residents were there... the one man among all the women.  He, was hilarious.  He sang to some of the girl volunteers, kissed one on the cheek... he was a pistol, for sure!  We sang Happy Birthday, and he loved it.

There was one woman who only spoke Spanish, and I do not speak any Spanish... she grabbed my arm and would not let go.  They had her up from the table, because she was getting a little "hostile" and they said she needed to walk it off.  She was talking to me non stop and laughing, and I felt bad because I didnt understand her and she didnt understand me.  At one point she wanted to pick my nose, and the nurse stopped her.  It was pretty funny.  But one of the guys there, listening, told me she thought I was her granddaughter.  I said I felt bad because I couldnt understand her or talk back, and he said really - all that matters is she is happy her granddaughter came to see her today.  It is what it is :)

This was an experience, I would like to say I will do it again but I wish the setup was a bit different and that we could sit down next to the residents, and get comfortable and talk to them.  It was setup just a bit awkward.  But it was a nice day, and we made them happy!

In the elevator... heading up.

 All of us who volunteered today.  Some through the Meetup group I was with and some from a Church Ministry.

 The gorgeous tree in the lobby.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

This weekend I am volunteering at a Senior Center... its only an hour and a half, and we get to celebrate this months birthdays then spend time with the seniors... talking, listening, laughing... The residents are in the memory care program... so Im sure it is going to be a little emotional... reminding me of my grandmother - but I am happy I get to experience this.

I have also signed up for a few Sunday evening shifts at a homeless shelter I have wanted to be involved with for years!  I pass this homeless shelter on my way home from work every day, and I also did when I worked at Ambrosia.  It is only open during the "cold months" and every night when I passed by previously (Its not open yet this year) and I saw the long line of people waiting - and so many children... it made me cry.  Every.  Single.  Night.

I couldnt figure out how to volunteer in the past, but now I am able to do so through the Volunteer Meetup group I am part of.  I am so excited.  I think its going to be hard, but I am up for the challenge.  In the past I have always wanted to make little bags of goodies and wake up early one Saturday or Sunday and take them to the homeless people sleeping in the park next to this shelter.  I never did because I always wanted someone to go with me, for a few reasons.  Safety was one.  However this year, I am going to just do it.  I have learned, sadly, if I want to do something, the best way is to just do it on my own - otherwise it wont happen.  That being said, if you are interested in joining me, please let me know and we can pick a morning.  I plan to just get snacks at the dollar store and pack them in small bags with handles so they are easy to hand out, or leave next to someone if they are sleeping.