I visited with some of the homeless men today, for the first time. I was told that the needed a bow saw to cut wood, a hatchet, and some AA and D size batteries. I purchased these before I went and they were so thankful to have them. As a matter of fact, one of the men cut firewood the whole time I was there.
I am so glad I went and wanted to let you know what your donations are doing. We had delivered sleeping bags to them already but they weren't using them yet because they wanted to get used to the colder weather. They were concerned that using the really warm bags now would cause them to be colder as winter set in. I did see the bags still rolled up inside of their tents so I know they have them.
One of the men was very happy to have been able to fix a box of Spanish rice for breakfast this morning. This guy appeared to be mentally handicapped and stuttered so badly that it was very difficult to understand what he was saying. I felt fortunate that he trusted me enough to take me to his camping area which was in a ravine, hidden from sight. His tent was falling apart and his blankets and bedding were wet from the recent rains. He told me about the fox that will come to his tent at night looking for food and a skunk was also known to pay a visit.
Another gentleman, who look just like you and me, also was happy to see us there. He also was thankful for the sleeping bags and was concerned about his tent leaking as well. I know this to be true because he took me to his campsite too. A raccoon had eaten through his tent and had learned to open a jar of peanut butter. He tried to patch his tent but the hole was way too large.
I am planning on using some of the donations to purchase new tents for these guys and I will also be getting them some bags of potatoes and other food items like that. I am purchasing things that won't spoil easily.
I am so glad I went and wanted to let you know what your donations are doing. We had delivered sleeping bags to them already but they weren't using them yet because they wanted to get used to the colder weather. They were concerned that using the really warm bags now would cause them to be colder as winter set in. I did see the bags still rolled up inside of their tents so I know they have them.
One of the men was very happy to have been able to fix a box of Spanish rice for breakfast this morning. This guy appeared to be mentally handicapped and stuttered so badly that it was very difficult to understand what he was saying. I felt fortunate that he trusted me enough to take me to his camping area which was in a ravine, hidden from sight. His tent was falling apart and his blankets and bedding were wet from the recent rains. He told me about the fox that will come to his tent at night looking for food and a skunk was also known to pay a visit.
Another gentleman, who look just like you and me, also was happy to see us there. He also was thankful for the sleeping bags and was concerned about his tent leaking as well. I know this to be true because he took me to his campsite too. A raccoon had eaten through his tent and had learned to open a jar of peanut butter. He tried to patch his tent but the hole was way too large.
I am planning on using some of the donations to purchase new tents for these guys and I will also be getting them some bags of potatoes and other food items like that. I am purchasing things that won't spoil easily.
