As we head into the holiday season, we always see a lot of enthusiasm to help others, but today’s giveaway exceeded our expectations.
We had approximately 50 volunteers come out and help bring in, organize and distribute a huge volume of clothing, luggage and basic living supplies. There’s a lot to report here…
Blankets and chilly volunteers. 
Goody bags festively decorated
As many of you know, we’ve been in the middle of a Warmth Drive for the last couple of months. Individuals without shelter face challenges during cold weather…even Texas cold weather. We’re pleased to report that our donors came through and supplied us with coats, blankets and sleeping bags.
196 individuals passed through our line…that means 196 warmer bodies.
I spoke to a gentleman that passed through our line about the weather being somewhat chilly and I asked him if he had everything he needed to stay warm. He told me that Friday night was especially difficult because of the north wind and cold temperatures. He was unsheltered, so he had to take refuge in a parking garage downtown. He asked if we had any oil or lotion because his face and lips still were sore. After getting him a few bottles of lotion and some lip balm, he expressed his gratitude for our group coming out and doing good work.
We also had a woman tell us she appreciated what we were doing for the community and she hoped to escape homelessness soon as she was hired as a sandwich maker at a sandwich chain in town. She said if she made it in to her own place, she would come out and volunteer with us.
It’s stories like these that keep us coming out.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of thank yous we need to deliver the great donors and volunteers
- Employees from Apple Computer
- Members of Phi Theta Kappa at Austin Community College
- Members from the Ethical Society of Austin
- First Robotics Competition Team #2881 – The Lady Cans
- Members of the Austin Blacks Rugby Team
- Austin Area Homeschoolers
- Treasure of the Hills Senior Center
These folks donated their time and/or financial resources to Austin Humanists at Work. The service provided to the Austin homeless community wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. You are helping people and changing lives.
Don’t forget that the next giveaway is January 27th. We hope to see you there.
