Scott Maida

Homeless donation drive #5 March 2, 2010

The people I meet on the street continue to amaze and inspire me.  They come from many walks of life, ethnicities, and situations. But they all have something in common. They’re homeless.

I recently went on a donation drive for the homeless for the 5th time this winter. The project was initiated by myself and a good friend who is homeless. That friendship helped open my eyes to the difficult life of homelessness and seeing it for myself opened them even wider. And also opened my heart.

While helping the folks find what they need, I get to chat with some like Larry who wanted me to save a coat for a woman in a wheelchair who was going to be released from the hospital in a few days. Paul was looking for something for his 5-year-old daughter…one of several people this winter who have asked items for their children. Cuban native Maria and vibrant Robin from Tennessee were happy to find some scarves and a new hat. Will is a well groomed, intelligent and witty young man who appreciated styles of some clothes. He and several others are familiar faces.  Faces that show the stress of walking the streets, restless sleep in shelters, and a cloudy future. But many faces had smiles of gratitude and a positive attitude. An energy that feeds mine.

This time around, I was stocked with several bags of blankets and a massive donation of lost and found from Lake Harriett Community School. http://lakeharriet.mpls.k12.mn.us/index.html The blankets were requested by St. Stephens Human Services,  http://ststephensmpls.org/ which helps families in transition and was a shelter my homeless friend often used, and the kids clothes and lunch boxes were taken to People Serving People. http://www.peopleservingpeople.org/

I was given a tour of their large facility near the Metrodome. They do amazing work for a lot of people in transition. They, like most shelters, have enough kids clothes for now, but can find a place for the excess. Adult clothes and household items are still in demand for shelters, however.

I continue to receive many supplies and encouragement from the generous congregation of my wonderful church, St. John’s Episcopal http://www.stjohns-mpls.org/ .  Several friends, like Ron and Nichole Johnson, donated several bags of quality clothes. Mary Tan dropped off more lost and found from her favorite establishment. One of our family friends brought over several items their 9 year old son bought with his allowance and my son’s 3rd grade teacher, Barb Boerboon and her husband, donated a large bag of sweaters.

My 6th drive will be mid-March. Still needed are adult gloves and socks especially.. hats, coats, footwear,  sweaters and sweatshirts, pants, backpacks and duffle bags, underwear and toiletries. I’m also being to stock up for spring with shirts and t-shirts.

Shelters need blankets, sheets, pillows, alarm clocks, strollers, and kitchen supplies. You can check the links above to find out more. Of course, contact me for more information and assistance. People can still drop off at my church and home.

My email is scott@maidastouch.net

To see a story about how the project started and a video, see my previous blog.