Hi everyone!
Wow, we’ve had a BIG week! If you haven’t heard, Austin Humanists at Work is now a nonprofit. On Monday, we received our letter from the IRS giving us 501(c)(3) designation. That means your donations are now tax-deductible. We also get to apply for more grants, save on federal and state taxes, and more! All of those benefits mean that we will be able to help more of our fellow humans. We are all very excited to begin this new chapter in the life of ATXHAW!
If you’d like to help our fellow humans, please visit our Amazon wish list. This month, we are completely out of first aid kits, body wipes, and men’s underwear. There also are many other items on our traffic light shopping guide that we could use more of, like toothbrushes, tissues, insect repellent, and toilet paper.
Did you know that our Amazon wish list can be sorted so you can see our most needed items first? Click Filter & Sort, then Priority, and the list will match the traffic light guide: High Priority = Green Light, Medium Priority = Yellow Light, and Low Priority = Red Light.
What else do we have going on this month?
Just Because Bags
We are creating Just Because bags! We would love it if you would make some too. Just Because bags are a great activity to do with a group, like a scouting troop or as a team-building exercise at the office.
Each bag contains items that we usually don’t have at our giveaways, such as playing cards, puzzle books (don’t forget a pen!), flashlights, small nonperishable meal kits, candy, or $5 gift cards for shopping or a meal. Be creative! Keep the creative juices flowing by decorating the bags – quotes, jokes, inspirational words… the possibilities are endless. Drop them off in our donation bin at Pak Mail Metric or bring them to the next giveaway!
Warmth Drive
From now until next February, ATXHAW is collecting items to help keep everyone warm! There are simply not enough shelter beds in the central Texas area for everyone. Many of the people that we serve are unsheltered, which means that they sleep under bridges, in tents, or in cars. Think of the difference a sleeping bag or warm coat could make!
We are collecting: sweatshirts, sweatpants, thermal tops & bottoms, thick socks, coats, gloves, hats, scarves, ponchos, sleeping bags & mats, tents, and blankets. We accept new and gently used items.
Volunteer Opportunity!
Austin ECHO is looking for volunteers for their 2018 Point In Time Count on Saturday, January 27, 2018. The Point In Time Count is an annual census of people experiencing homelessness in the Austin area. Each year, over 600 volunteers survey areas of Austin/Travis County in order to better understand homelessness. Could you be one of those people? Maybe you’ve got great leadership skills, and could serve as a team lead! Visit the Austin ECHO website to sign up and learn more.
Time for Gettin’ Knotty!
If you’ve got a knack for knitting or crocheting (human) sweaters, hats, scarves, or washcloths, check out ATXHAW’s Gettin’ Knotty group. They create items that are handed out at our monthly giveaways.
This month, the group will meet from 7 PM to 10 PM on Thursday, November 16th. The crafters sit at a few tables in the cafe area of the Barnes & Noble in the Arboretum.
Come create with us! Your cat will be relieved.
Thanks for reading! We hope you are having a wonderful fall. See you on the 19th!