If you are new here, you may want to read about the sorrowful event that inspired this small project.
While researching a way to reach out to the homeless community, I was reminded our church has an established ministry with the people who live in Denver’s Civic Center Park. Once a month, for the past 7 years, a group meets with people who need the basics in life. They deliver donations of food, medicine, clothing, sleeping bags, and many other items that make life on the streets and parks safer and more bearable. A woman named Cathy Speck runs the ministry.
I chatted with her about what is going on these days. Is there an increase in homelessness? One thing she’s noticed is the community seems to be getting younger and includes many more families than in the past. These aren’t the hardened, grizzled men people stereotype and fear. They are simply people who are like you or like me. They are people who once had homes, jobs, and normal lives.
I’ve been in contact with Jeffrey’s brother. He told me that Jeffrey had only been homeless since late May. He is trying to piece together the last few months of his brother’s life. I hope he finds answers and understanding.
Because there is so much work to do, it is apparent people need to work together. The church’s website mentions fast food gift cards as a way to help. I would love it if you would join me in donating fast food gift cards that will be distributed during the group’s next outing on September 17th.
Why fast food gift cards?
1. A little bit of money goes a long way.
2. Restaurants are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
3. With a gift card in hand, people are welcomed as customers.
4. In an urban setting, fast food restaurants are plentiful and easily accessible.
Will you consider sending a fast food gift card to give a person a boost? This is something that won’t change a life, but it’s a way to relieve a burden. It’s simple. You can involve your children. Our kids are going to help with record-keeping. They are too young to help pass out the cards, but they aren’t too young to understand the power of a community of caring people, united.
If you are interested in helping, please send an email to me through my contact form, or if you already have my email address use that. The cards would need to arrive in Denver by September 15th in order to be distributed this month. Also, I’ll be happy to answer questions. I would appreciate it if you spread the word through Twitter or Facebook or at your own blogs. I have never, in nearly 7 years of doing this hobby thingie, done anything like this. It’s a small start, but multiplied with the help of friends, it can turn into something beautiful.
Thanks, everyone.
(title from Ecclesiastes 3:13 NIV)
(edited to add: Please feel free to leave a comment if you want me to email the address to you, or use the contact form. Also, the coordinator said McDonald’s and Burger King are the best bets. They are close, easily accssible walking or via bus)