Thank you everyone who contributed to our annual Winter Clothing and Blanket Drive for the local Ashland community! Your donations were consciously distributed to many individuals who were very appreciative to receive the high quality and well thought-out items that were given.
Every offering has a person that it benefits in real time in their lives. Padrinho's beautiful sweater jackets were split between an elder who works in town and lives on the mountain- he was stoked to have not only a new set of jackets, but ones with elegance in a way that he carries in himself but rarely can afford- warmth and elegance for a local elder! The others went to a young man who is working hard in his life and who, like most young people, likes to look stylish while also keeping warm
A couple of people donated women's clothes, which went IMMEDIATELY. Women who are on the street or living out of their cars or in transitional housing still like to maintain their feminine dignity and have good clothes to wear, even if its hidden under winter jackets!
All of the Blankets went quickly and were received with lots of gratitude. With one exception, these went to people occupying the living out of cars but otherwise working and applying themselves to getting out of their situation and improving their lives.
One blanket, an excellent old school 100% wool plaid blanket with some minor tears and a little cat or dog hair- this item might have saved a mans life one night when it was particularly cold and wet and windy, it was all he had to wear on top and I saw him very gratefully using and also protecting this blanket.
It's really important to remember that something most of us might be "embarrassed" to offer because it has minor defects or might not be up to our standards - for someone facing life threatening cold on the street it could, as in this case, be the thing that is life-saving. It also lets a person know they are not alone, that there are in fact people and spiritual forces who see them and who will help where they can.
A huge shout out to Paulino and Scott and to others for a generous donation of sleeping bags, a tent, shoes and other practical items. Several people benefited from these, they were the first things we distributed and also I will say these were the most prized items and I was asked specifically to thank the ones who made these donations.
Thank you for the donations of men's clothes which are always in need for many vulnerable population groups; and a huge shout out of YEAH! to those who sent in gloves and knit hats and scarves!! The bag of random water bottles and thermoses did not even make it to the sorting shelves, people saw I was holding that bag and in less than a minute every water bottle and insulated food container was in someone's hands and there were lots of smiling faces- the water bottle bag was like "Christmas" in November!
Several beautiful woven blankets came in- couch throws that went to young single moms from the local Native community, with whom I work to do this annual winter clothing drive. I saw one of those moms a few days ago driving around doing errands, with her 4 year-old wrapped up in his seat nice and warm in one of these indigenous style woven blankets and my heart was like "Awesome!" Every item goes where it is needed friends!
On a personal note, it touched my heart deeply to see the generosity of our community and the thoughtfulness with which people very intentionally went through their "stuff" and pulled out items they felt would be useful for others.
If you missed the "official" collection date at the last Work, don't worry you can still bring items to the upcoming work celebrating Madrinha Jane's Birthday! Madrinha is my ongoing inspiration for doing this annual winter clothing drive- she has spoken and written about the importance of community level charity many times and herself models authentic compassion and service as a way of life. Let's add an extra honor to Madrinha's special birthday celebration by bringing in one last good load of Winter donations for the local community!
Bless everyone deeply! I appreciate each of you a lot and thank everyone who contributed in this years Winter clothing and blanket drive, as well as for all who contribute, in front of and behind the scenes through the years of our Church. All the little acts of compassion and mutual aid and being present with each other add up!
In Peace, Amashe
