September 2020 Modified Giveaway Recap – Austin Humanists at Work

Where has the year gone? September is almost over, and we are jumping right into fall. Summer did hold on for our giveaway this past weekend. The warm humidity was thick when 11 total volunteers met at the under-bridge parking lot in Central Austin this past Sunday. Since our giveaways have shifted to the forth Sundays, we started handing out our Winter Warmth Drive items early in preparation for cooler weather to come this coming week. We also had our handy wagons for the distribution of our personal care bags. One of our volunteers noted that having our tables made our giveaway feel like a normal giveaway. Small glimmers of normalcy is a nice thing.

With 200 staple hygiene and personal care bags in tow, we also had blankets, jackets, shoes, crocheted hats, scarves, gloves, warm clothing, a box of fresh bananas and two tables to help. We haven’t had any of our tables since February, and the volunteers were happy to get back to handing out more items and talking with people. As we keep shifting and changing, the need for more volunteers shifts too. We were happy to welcome back two volunteers we haven’t seen before the pandemic, and one new face to our organization. While four volunteers stayed with the tables, four others gave away 188 bags to people at the under-bridge parking lot, and the area around the Terrazas Branch Library along E. Cesar Chavez Street.

Recognize the Palmer Center? This is where we pick up the EAT bags each week.

Since August 23rd, ATXHAW has been picking up shelf stable food bags from the Eat Apart Together initiative. We have been doing this every Sunday, and even on Giveaway weekends. We have been picking up 70- 15lb food bags, 70 gallons of water, and distributing them to 10 different location up the I-35 corridor, north of 183. Our volunteers are getting to know those we serve and also try to help them with to other things they may need. We are hoping to connect some with much needed services from area agencies.

We would like to thank all our volunteers who have helped us continue the work we do. Also, thank you to the wonderful donors who been quite generous this year, and continue support our efforts Thank you to Masks in Austin for donating 40 masks which have been handed out to those at our Central giveaways and EAT bag distribution locations. Congratulations on your 3000th mask! Our organization is thankful for all your hard work. Thank you Autumn Mesanko for your large Amazon food donation. It almost took up our whole food storage shelf. This month our food fill-in purchase included a box of fresh bananas which were very much appreciated from those who took them.

We would also like to thank Hale Youngblood for the large donation of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and blankets. Today, we were able to outfit 10 people with each of these items in preparation of for the colder temperatures this week. Through kind donations like these, we are able to help folks stay warm, and dry over the rainy and cold winter months of the year. If you would like to donated any Warmth Drive items, we’ll be happy to pick up, or offer drop off locations. Your donation, like Hale’s, go directly into the community for those in need. Email info@austinhumanistsatwork.org for more information.

Our next EAT bag distribution dates; Sunday, October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th

Our next ATXHAW Giveaway is Sunday, October 25th

If you’re interested in volunteering for EAT distribution or Giveaways, please email us at info@austinhumanistsatwork.org

Visit our Donate page for all we accept for donation.

Have a wonderful October everyone!