Tuesday, January 13, 2009

28 months and counting...








Today marks our 28 month LIDiversary, so I added this charm which was chosen by Lisa.

This month, instead of getting a cake and moping and feeling sorry for ourselves celebrating, we decided to forego our monthly celebration and do something for others.

The synagogue where we were married was having an "Out of the Cold" evening. This is where the homeless come, get a hot meal, clothes and sleep. We were there for a couple of hours and we handed out clothes. We thought it was the right thing to do since it's so bitterly cold outside and we would have just sat around and done nothing constructive with our time.

We also helped to sort the donated clothes. I was more than a little shocked at what people donated. Clothes that were dirty. Underwear that had lost its elasticity. Tank tops. I mean, come on people, it's winter...why would anyone want a tank top and short-shorts (think Richard Simmons)?

Some of the homeless were extremely picky about what they wanted. One lady wanted an orange and yellow backpack. I got her one, but it didn't have enough yellow on it, so she turned it down. I showed another gentleman about half a dozen winter coats, but he didn't like any of them. Oh well, I tried...

It felt good volunteering, and as we were leaving, I signed us up for the rest of January and February. Unfortunately, they are seriously low on clothes. We're going to go through our closet and see what we can donate.

11 comments:

Lisa said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate! I like this idea a lot. Just think of all the people (except the picky ones) you've helped.

Thanks for the honor and I LOVE the charm. I hope to see a lot of them this year so we can fianlly meet little Maple.

Red Sand said...

28 down.

You know, I can understand the pickiness, the desire for dignity and choice especially if one is going through a situation where there is little of either. Of course, it's always good to balance choice with practicality. ;-)

Rhonda said...

Oh, don't get me wrong, I understand that too. Unfortunately a fair number of the people attending last night, didn't quite understand the choices they were making. The same gentleman that I was talking to about winter jackets, wanted one that was far too light for the temperatures outside. I gave him a heavy, appropriate one and he claimed it gave him a rash. He ended up not taking a coat. :(

The lady who wanted the backpack, only wanted it because "Betty" got one last week. She told me she wanted the same one that she got last week. (Name changed to protect her identity.)

Juliette said...

Happy 28 months!

We had out of the cold in December at our parish every year when I lived in Thornhill. I used to cook there. And we had our picky ones too.

Thanks for reminding me. I think I'll try to find something similar here. That crazy cold is so dangerous for the people outside...

4D said...

28 done and that is the most inspiring way to commemorate the monthly event.

Keep smilin!

M and M said...

This only came up on Bloglines right now...odd.

Happy (?) 28 months...Are you thinking you are 1/2 way??

Good for you for getting out there and volunteering.

Anonymous said...

Volunteering just makes you feel better.

I think that story you told about the picky-ness is a hoot.

Special K said...

Happy 28!

What a nice thing for you to do. I bet it made you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. :)

C's Mom said...

Despite some of the donation surprises, it sounds like a fabulous way to spend that #28.

Each one a step closer.

D & S said...

That is a good way to spend the day.

28 under your belt.

Catherine said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate your 28th LIDiversary!