Day 349

SafeHouse didn't have service today but I was there early enough that I got to talk with the gentleman who lives under the bridge.

It was a conversation down memory lane. We started talking about cloudy days and how it can make people feel depressed. He told me how grateful he was for each day and that he hopes to live a long life. He shared that he had seen many family members pass away at an early age, and from there he shared many family stories. He told me about playing with his cousins, going out to underground in his teenage years, mum's home cooking, and skipping school. I loved listening to each of his stories and am so glad I got to talk with him today!

Now its game time @ the dome!!

Day 345

It was a quieter evening at SafeHouse today, not sure what else was going on in the city...I walked on to the lot, saw some familiar faces, walked over to say hello, heard my name get called from elsewhere, and then saw my (now 3year old) buddy running up to me. As soon as I picked him up he started telling me all kinds of stories that I couldn't really have any conversations with anyone else.

He took me over to another volunteer and then had us playing hide-and-seek for the next 20minutes. In between hiding and running I said hello to several people. I also caught up with the gentleman who volunteers with many different organizations. He is planning to move to Florida at the end of the month to start fresh. While I know this is something good for him, and something he has been considering for months, it still made me a little sad that he is going away. He is one of those people who tries really hard to make things better but gets caught up in the wrong crowd, he cares about people and making a difference in our community and is always looking for an opportunity to do so. I'm definitely going to miss him and really hope I get to see him a few more times before he leaves.

Today marks twenty days left on this project. I'm sure I will eventually share my thoughts on that, but for now I'd like to say thank you to all of you who in the past 24hours have reminded me of what this project means to me, the difference it's made in not just my life but yours as well, and the fact that it's not just a project but my passion too! Thank you!

Day 344

After a late night, followed by an early morning was NOT how I was expecting to roll today!

Chandni had me up at 8am, and Cynthia was running around at the same time trying to get the remainder of the presents to us.

We got over there to a lot full of volunteers and a line of anxious parents and children forming outside of SHO!
Any of the agitation caused by lack of sleep and COFFEE; immediately dissipated as we walked towards SHO's parking lot.

And I think my eyes are a little welled up as I write this, but you could almost taste the excitement and joy in the air... and (ughgh..) I guess I could feel the Christmas Spirit (i know, I know, I'm such a GRINCH).  But seeing this project to fruition with the support of all of our unexpectedly generous friends, family and coworkers was simply AMAZING.

We were ushered in by volunteers, and went straight back to a room full of presents and volunteers to drop off the last of what we had.  We were then placed at the front of the lot to greet, register, and direct the parents and kids on the receiving end of all YOUR kind generosity.

Between the three of us and the Deeter family (also regular volunteers), we were able to knock out much of registration.... well, that is until Chandni saw her little buddy!  She was totally taken away from what she was doing as she saw him approach the table!

At some point I was taken into the main hall to entertain the waiting parents and keep them from getting antsy!  And I think the kids there with just a little direction from me, kept our clients laughing and distracted enough.  We had performances from kids of all ages, and we heard everything from Lil Wayne's "How to Love' to Chris Brown's "This Christmas"!

We ALMOST had a comedian come up, but of course he got real SHY!

All in all it was a BLAST!

AGAIN, we want to THANK everyone for making today POSSIBLE!

We love you all for giving so generously!

Happy Holidays!

Day 341

I woke up to three missed calls and numerous texts this morning!
And it just reaffirms that my friends are PROCRASTINATORS... Well, not all of them... YOU KNOW who your are though!

So to balance all of that out, and to avoid having to STOP everything that I'm doing tonight to update the blog and potentially ruin the vibe for the Christmas party tonight... I am going to START blogging now!

Phillip and Dacia Bray, Santana, Tracie, and the REST of us ELVES have been slaving away in our little workshops to Make Christmas wishes come true for Kids at Safehouse outreach.

We've reached far and wide into our social networks, and have come out with some amazingly wonderful and giving people that committed to making each child on our lists' Christmas PHENOMENAL!

I want to take a few moments to THANK our friends and family members that sponsored a child, offered solutions, helped with donations, asked their friends to get involved, and just supported in any way - shape - or form!

You guys are simply AWESOME!
And I can't wait to see you tonight at Tavern 99!

I'll be sure to update the blog and let you know how the party went!

Day 338

I had a nice evening at SafeHouse today, really laid back, weather was a little warmer than most of this week, and the conversations were all fun!

I met someone new today, another gentleman from New York - he just got here Friday night! He has been staying at the shelter and is hoping to apply for a few jobs this week. We compared the weather here to that in New York; he told me some about his family; a little about the friends he came down here with; and about the friends he's made in the past two days.

I also got to catch up with a few people I had not seen in weeks! We caught up on what books to read, volunteering at the food bank, football games, fantasy football, and old friends from my early days at SafeHouse.

I also caught up with the gentleman who used to be interested in the stock market. We talked about jumping out of planes and all the reasons not to, jobs (he has worked in a mental health setting before as well), and how he plans on having a merry Christmas this year!

On the road starting tomorrow, hoping to make it to SafeHouse for a bit before I head out...

Day 330

Landed in Atlanta at 630am and made it to SafeHouse at 11am for their Chili Block Party! I met Dona as she led some volunteers to neighborhood parks to invite people to the party. There were a lot of great volunteers there and there was a medical clinic, a foot care station, a table set up for referrals to programs, clothes to pick from, haircuts, game tables, and live music! It was definitely a treat for everyone there.

Once I got to the block party it was all about saying hello to everyone and catching up with them. I hadn't seen one of they guys in several months, it was really good to see him and catch up on what he's been up to. He still volunteers a lot but no longer has his apartment but says he's okay with that for now. There was a lot of checking in with people,conversations about my holiday, and conversations about Thanksgiving.

It was great seeing so many volunteers come out on a Saturday morning to make this event a success, and even better seeing so many younger volunteers!

Day 320

Giselle covered today and between her new job, familial obligations, and the tornado warnings last night (j/k)... Giselle still made the time to log onto Freerice.com before the clock struck 12! We're dedicated to Chandni's mission to complete the remainder of these 46 days seamlessly and make whatever impact we can!

Being fluent in Spanish, she dominated that Spanish category and donated 1200 grains of rice!

She also stopped by Kroger to purchase a few canned goods to donate towards Hosea Feed the Hungry. Her work place is hosting a canned food drive.

In the meanwhile, I've been coordinating with all of our friends to participate in Safehouse Outreach's Christmas Party, and sponsor a child for Christmas! Giselle's about to pick her kid and let me know (lol).

If any of you are still interested, please contact me and Chandni via email so we can give you additional details!

~Dona

Day 281

The weather was just perfect for about 200 or more ATLiens to "Influence Culture through LOVE in action"!

Chandni and I had the opportunity to join Drew Benton and an amazing group of people at yet another Project Live Love Event.

This time around, however, we had the opportunity to lead a project at SafeHouse Outreach. Our group of 20 people from Echo ministries were absolutely fantastic.

We rallied at The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, and then headed over to Safehouse with soup and socks. While some of the group stayed behind to cook and setup, most of the group went out to gather people from local parks around SafeHouse.

We did things a little differently at SHO today - instead of serving the meals out on the parking lot, we set up tables inside! Our group had set the tables and even brought these beautiful orange roses! We served soup, chips, and water. We talked to everyone, and had great conversations from video games to favorite football teams!

We did good. We had fun. And everyone walked away with just a little more understanding of how a simple conversation and just a little kindness can elevate someone's entire day!

We look forward to seeing you guys at the next Project Live Love Event on January 7th!

Happy Giving Everyone!

Day 176

I had a quick night at SafeHouse this evening thanks to a horrible migraine!

I hung out at the gate with some of the regulars. It was really laid back, we talked about things going on in the city today, they told me a little about different people walking in, a couple of the guys played ball. It wasn't very busy there though, probably because there were other events going on downtown.

Once service started, I helped clean up the lot and left shortly after. Hoping this migraine goes away by tomorrow so I can go back to having a more social evening there :)

Day 161

I had a fun evening at SafeHouse today. Stayed outside and had a couple of different conversations. Two gentlemen were telling me about their experiences in the army/military. They were sharing stories and explaining why they chose to enlist. They talked about how it builds your strength and character and that it is an experience they would recommend to anyone.

I talked with another gentleman about trust and what it takes for him to trust people. Of course there were the hellos and quick conversations. I saw a couple of people I hadn't seen in months. It was great seeing them there and being able to catch up with them. Hopefully get to see them again soon!

Day 153

I had so much fun at SafeHouse today! After having to answer to some of my friends for not going there since Sunday, we spent some time catching up on how each was doing. I was told that I'm not allowed to "ditch" them for that long again. My 2year old buddy's mum then came up to me to tell me that he was there today and that he was taking a nap but would be up soon. That made my day!

Once he woke up I spent the rest of the evening chasing him around the lot. He has so much energy! We chased birds, ate chocolate chip cookies, played ball, ran around, and he was still playing at the end of the night when it was time for me to leave.

I'm exhausted, had too much fun, and now looking forward to a SafeHouse weekend :)

Day 147

I spent the evening at SafeHouse today. I started off catching up with one of the ladies. We had been talking about her getting off the streets and today she had some good news for me - she has moved into transitional housing! She made my day! I am so excited for her and am keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for her.

I also caught up with my fellow volunteer. He helped out at the food and wine festival last weekend and had a great time. He's volunteering at the jazz festival this weekend - can't wait to hear about it!

I'm looking forward to going back on Sunday - there were a couple people I didn't get a chance to talk to. Hopefully see them then.

Meet Vancouver - one of the guys collects cans to recycle - Vancouver belongs to him

Day 142!

Hands down, my favorite day of volunteering thus far!

Chandni, Faisal, and I have been working for months to organize today's Hoops for Humanity - Basketball Tournament.

And it was an absolute SUCCESS!

The YMCA was an amazing location to host the event! Their courts were splendid, and after a little exploring of my own, I will say that the facility is breathtaking.

All six teams participating throughout the tournament played with a sense of integrity, and much heart! And although there was only ONE team to take home the trophy, every player on that court was phenomenal.

The championship game was played between a team of trash-talkers from Chicago (Bear's team), and a slightly younger team led by Woodward's finest (AJ's team).

The trophy was taken home by "THE JUICE"... And for everyone there who can't tie that name to a team... Yes, it was the squad of red that was lined up against the wall at the basketball court.

Congratulations, AJ and "THE JUICE" on a fabulous and well-deserved win. #7, I don't remember your name... but you were AWESOME!

THANK YOU to EVERYONE that volunteered, played, donated their time and efforts to support Safehouse Outreach and Project 365. We're humbled by your generosity and encouragement, and we appreciate YOU ALL!

Proceeds from Hoops for Humanity will be going to SHO (www.safehouseoutreach.org)

I cannot WAIT to do this again... And we will!

Have a good night everyone!