Day 210

Back in town this evening so I spent some time at SafeHouse. It was so nice to be back and to see most of the familiar faces :)

I helped out in the kitchen some. The group there was serving hot dogs and also had a variety of pies, cakes, muffins, donuts, and cookies. We set up two tables with just dessert - it was so tempting! There wasn't service this evening, instead they did a "show night" - anyone who wanted to perform, speak, play an instrument could do so. It was fun watching some of them perform and have a good time.

Outside, I had a couple of different conversations. I spoke to one gentleman who was working on his cover letter; we spoke about what kinds of key words to put in there and how to show case your experiences. I spoke to someone else about ways to relax and healthy venting; he says people sometimes vent to him and it gets him frustrated, so we talked about how to deal with that.

I left before they served the meal. Exhausted and looking forward to a quiet night and a weekend of giving!

Day 186

It was one of those days where I just wanted to do nothing after work, but eventually convinced myself to go help out at Kashi. A volunteer friend was there too which made the evening go by really quick.

I helped with making the bags. A simple task which meant lots of time to socialize and time to not think about anything at all in between the socializing.

Hoping the folks at the shelter enjoy their snack bags!

Day 182

It was an evening of chaos at SHO tonight!

Chandni and I were both at work, and we were running a little late! Thank goodness for all our friends and family who'd volunteered with us tonight and made it there before hand! Between Kid, Hema, and the rest of Chandni's family, they'd brought sandwiches; Kim Braund from Nationwide brought a cooler full of sodas!
While we'd prepared for Game Night, as we'd been announcing all week, things didn't go quite as planned.

Due to a little miscommunication, there were 2 groups serving clients at SHO tonight. Us and another church group.

I won't lie, the disappointment creeped in because we were excited about getting our group together and getting sooooooo much accomplished in just 10 days amongst our little circle of friends and family; but as the night progressed we slowly got back into the groove of things and began to do what we came out there to do. Have fun and socialize with our SafeHouse friends with no strings attached for them to be served.

The guys had to have moved tables back and forth about 4 times, but we finally got it together and got the spades game going! Chandni and Kid brought checkers, and there were different tables playing checkers too!

Raksha had a blast leading the bingo games inside, and our friends were happy to receive prizes!

Oh and, Chandni's little buddy was there! Flocked by lovely ladies wanting to play with him, and he just loved the attention!

It was a wonderful night, after all.
It was so exciting to see our friends reach out to our friends at SHO and step up to do whatever it took to ensure the night unfolded without a hitch.
I'm always moved when I see my friends support us in making Project 365 happen.
They didn't come out there because they had an incentive, nor did we have to ask them twice for their aid.
Everyone gave and gave freely, and I'm moved beyond words... Almost to tears.

It's always fun watching our friends at SHO unwind, kickback, and relax with us. Talk to us, give us insight into their life experiences, and always make us laugh!

Thank you everyone for everything!!!
Thank you Kid, Guy, Hema, Mickey, Shrayo, Prashant, Raksha, Vishal, Vick, Kurt, Kim, Kenny, AJ, Becca, Tim(enya), LaBlanc and the rest of our fabulous volunteers that made tonight a great night!
Thank you Sapna, Shashin, P-Man, HP, and Kid's friend for donating ALL the food - you guys are awesome and we could not have done this without your help.
Thank you SafeHouse for the opportunity to give back.
Thank you Friends at SHO for having us, and letting us serve you!

Have a good night, and a Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Day 179

I don't think I've been this tired in a while! There's so much going on each day and it seems to be getting just a little more difficult to go out everyday to volunteer. I'm really really thankful to everyone who has been able to cover for me and keep the project going!! I would not have made it this far without you.

Today I made it back to Kashi to help with their street meals program. It was nice going back and it really didn't feel like that long since my last visit there. As usual, there was lots of conversation around the table: dating, July 4th plans, restaurants, music, books (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - one of my favorites, strongly recommend it).

I think I'm back there next week, and I'm sure it will be as much fun as today was.

Day 162

Dreamy Gelato

At some point in our adventures, we met Sukai Crook of Dreamy Gelato. A wonderful woman that has a Gelato store at The Avenue in Cumming, GA.

Chandni and Sukai worked together to donate 150 cups of the creamiest, lightest gelato for our clients at SHO.

It was a long journey to Cumming, but we were able to catch up on our way there, which I was ecstatic about. We picked up the ice cream, packed it in our coolers, but still needed to get ice. Of course we kept missing every gas station and grocery store possible on our way to SHO before we finally got ice.

Chandni saw her little buddy at SHO before we even pulled up to the gate, and couldn't wait to go play with the adorable little 2 year old!

We passed out Caramel pecan and Chocolate cookies and cream out to everyone, and we had enough for seconds and thirds!!!!

Serving gelato

Chandni and her 2year old buddy :)

We hung out for the rest of the night, talked about basketball teams we were rooting for, used as many big words as we possibly could amongst ourselsves (lol) and laughed throughout.

It was a fabulous night, and we're both going to end it with some Netflix (Chandni) and a swim (me).




Everytime I head to SHO, I'm Always reminded of why we're doing everything that we're doing. It's not always convenient, but it's always humbling and rejuvenating.

It's selfish. I know. But I love being at SHO!!

I really, really, really hope you guys can make it out with us one day!

Good night!

Day 158

I was back at the Salvation Army this evening. There were about eight other volunteers helping out today, mostly kids, teens, and a pregnant lady who is due this Friday!!

One of the parents told me she brought both her kids so that they could learn to be responsible and learn to give back to their community. So they helped out with serving, cleaning trays, wiping down tables, and mopping! They are all regulars there and knew where everything was and what needed to be done.

Today we served barbecue chicken, green beans, potatoes, corn bread and sweet tea. And when that ran out there was pizza.

I saw the guy who is transitioning out so spoke to him for a few minutes. He told me he was pretty close to getting a job in a kitchen and he was really looking forward to it.

I had another good volunteering experience here and will be back the next time I'm in town!

Day 157

I'm in Augusta for a few days so I volunteered with the Salvation Army soup kitchen this evening. When I walked in the chef came over with a big smile to welcome me back. He's really hospitable! And makes it fun so you feel like going back to help out.

Today we served mac n cheese hamburger helper with garlic bread and salad. It wasn't as crowded as I remember. The chef told me that was because it's the beginning of the month and people still had their cheques.

I asked about one of the guys who used to stay there and who used to volunteer in the kitchen. He has graduated the program and is in the process of tranisitioning out - I'm so glad for him! He's a great person and hopefully this will be the start of a new life for him.

Day 152

I went to City of Refuge this evening to volunteer. City of Refuge offers both life saving resources and life building tools to individuals and families in Atlanta who are living on the margin. They have programs that span multiple areas of need – from food, clothing and shelter to job training, placement, housing, healthcare and education. Their goal is to provide access to and information about the best possible opportunities for success to those who are willing to work hard for positive change.

As I was driving down Joseph E. Boone Blvd, I noticed the stark difference in neighborhoods across the street. I later learned that the neighborhood surrounding City of Refuge is home to more inmates in Georgia’s prisons than any other in the state and that the zip code, 30314, is home to the highest crime rate of any zip code in Georgia. Despite this, City of Refuge is an “open campus” to the community during designated hours each day of the week. And, for me, there was no sense of danger or nervousness as I walked around. 

Today I helped serve meals to women and children staying at City of Refuge. I was the only outside volunteer there but had a great time with the ladies who work there. They were welcoming and are really efficient in that kitchen. After serving the meal, I helped clean up before saying my goodbyes.

I really enjoyed the experience and am looking forward to going back, as well as to trying out some of their other programs.

Day 145

I volunteered at SafeHouse today. The church that was going to serve the meal canceled but one of the SafeHouse guys saved the day with lasagna and chicken with stuffing. He cooked enough for about 180 delicious meals! He's definitely got skills!!

We served till we ran out and had to start turning people away. But a SafeHouse friend dropped by just in time with hotdogs, bagels and muffins. So a couple of us made up some plates of food real quick and started serving that. It was a busy day in the kitchen but we did the best we could with what we had, so hopefully not too many people went without food today.

I also wanted to share something Dona sent me today - check out the link:
http://www.takepart.com/news/2011/05/25/gulf-spill-silver-lining-gm-repurposes-227-miles-of-booms-into-chevy-volt-parts
There's always ways to make a difference in the world, we just have to put some thought into it. GM is really making a difference!

Day 115

I stopped at SafeHouse this evening before going out of town for the week. It started like most days there, hanging out on the lot, talking to anyone and everyone. But when service started I was in the kitchen helping put together the meal.

The group that came by today made meatball subs, and they served it with a side of fruit and oreo cookies. They usually come in a big group but today there were only four volunteers. So I was able to help out some. We were just a little bit behind schedule, but everyone waited patiently as we made food boxes for them. We made over 200 meals, so everyone got seconds and even thirds!

Highlight of the day: watching one of the guys sing and dance after service - he was having a good time!

Day 113

So while I was away Dona and Raksha signed US up to help with this morning's pancake breakfast at SafeHouse. However, after a fun night out, I was the only one who made it! Lol

I've been wanting to make it to these breakfasts and finally had my chance! J. Christopher's was there with bacon and eggs and a student group from GA Perimeter College brought the pancakes. We set up the tables inside for a sit-down meal. Some of us stayed at SafeHouse to make the meal, while others went to the nearby parks to invite people in for breakfast.

People came in, sat down, and were served - it was wonderful! I was helping out in the kitchen for the most part but eventually made it out to talk with a few people. One of the guys I spoke to today talked to me about stereotypes and being profiled. If anyone could talk about stereotypes, it would be these guys.

He was telling me about his job - passing out business cards for a new store downtown. As he was doing this he approached a group of people on a parking lot to tell them about the store. When he was done he started to walk off, but a couple of officers approached him, and asked if he had a car. He responded no. They then asked why he was on the parking lot. He explained what he was doing and they basically told him he was not allowed to walk on the lot if he did not have a car.

I've cut across parking lots several times, never hesitating to think about it, and was never told that I was only allowed to be on the lot if I had a vehicle.  But then again I'm just an indian girl.  But people who are homeless get stopped for the smallest things, not because of what they're doing or what they've done.  But mostly because they are homeless. We're exhausted when we have to prove ourselves once or twice with the amenities and luxuries we have. Imagine not having anything and having to constantly prove yourself to everyone in society! We fail to remember that within each section of society there will be a few people that are bad, but the majority are good - the same rule applies to people who are homeless...

Day 100

We've made it through 100 days of giving!! Yay!! In honor of the 100 day mark, Dona and I took sorbet and ice cream (courtesy of High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet - visit their store and sample their delicious and creative ice cream and sorbet flavors) to SafeHouse this evening. The people at High Road are amazing! I had to send them a last minute request Thursday evening for an ice cream donation. Friday evening they said yes - they made my day! And when I picked it up they were so generous! They gave us 4 trays of sorbet and ice cream.

Dona and I set up outside on the lot, and when the gate was opened people lined up for their pick of ice cream or sorbet. The favorites were pistachio ice cream and strawberry sorbet. Almost everyone came back for seconds, thirds, and even fourth servings. And the more they came by the more creative they got with mixing flavors. We served till we ran out, and once we were done serving, we spent the rest of the evening on the lot socializing with everyone.

This project started as one of my crazy ideas and has become much bigger than I ever imagined. It really doesn't feel like it's been that long since we started Project 365 and I'm still in shock about it being Day 100. We couldn't have made it without all your support, whether it's coming out to help, helping us find donations and resources, telling us about new volunteer opportunities, reading the blog or cheering us on. THANK YOU!

Serving Ice Cream & Sorbet

My 6year old buddy

Day 98

I had an awesome night at SafeHouse again! Didn't make it inside the building...again. I spent all evening on the lot talking to some of the guys and also making some new friends. It started with the gentleman who is spiritual - we talked about the spiritual purpose of various birds...and then before he went inside he said that I would eventually write a book...hmmm...

I talked to the gentleman who volunteers at various places. He gave me some really good news - he got a job! So we spoke a little about that and about his next few weeks of volunteer opportunities. It's amazing how much he does!!

I spent some time talking to a gentleman who comes by most nights, gets his meal, then helps clean up the lot before leaving. He doesn't do it in return for anything. He just does it. So today I got to know him a little bit (as we cleaned) and when I asked why he always stays to clean up, he responded it was just to help out. He's really sweet, very kind, and always has a gentle smile on his face.

Met a couple of other guys today, hopefully I'll see them again next time, and start to get to know them too!

Day 75

What a phenomenal (can I say ... Phenomenal) yep.. Phenomenal night!!

Organizing this event for the past 2 weeks was quite overwhelming! But after seeing the fruits of all of our efforts... Tonight had to be one of the most rewarding nights of my life.

Friends I haven't seen in months and years were there to volunteer tonight! Friends who hate to drive for longer than 20 minutes or past the city they live in, drove for hours to pick up food donations!

Thanks to a few other friends of ours we had pizza and chicken from Pizza Hut, Little Caesar's, and Church's.

We'd all agreed to meet at SHO at around 5:30, but of course we were all running late! John was lost trying to get to Little Caesar's in Hamilton Mill and Raksha had to chase down the tin foil covering her chicken from Church's!!! Jiten (Kid) was the only one who'd been ready with the 25 pizza's we'd asked him to pick up. All we had by 5:30pm was a bunch of volunteers at safehouse with some sweet tea!

Miraculously, Raksha and I made it through the rush hour traffic. John came in soon after.

Our volunteers were machines! We filled the boxes up with pizza and chicken until we ran out! At which point Chandni and Kid ran out to get more chicken from Publix!

We continued packing, joking, laughing, and prepping for service for the next hour or so, all the while anxiously waiting to serve our clients!

Once service was over, we started to serve seconds was when the knots in our stomach finally loosened. We had enough. Everyone was served.

The band tonight was outstanding. There was group of kids spending their Spring Break at SHO in service of those less fortunate than themselves. Everyone was so helpful! And as usual, Chandni and I got to hang out with our faves!

It was wonderful to have people remember us from times before, well... me, anyway. Because Chandni's part of the SHO family now. And it was great to catch up with our clients!!

It was an AMAZING night, and we couldn't have done it without our amazing volunteers.

And with that, I'd like to give a special thanks to our vendors - Kamran Kurani @ Pizza Hut, Parvez Khoja @ Little Caesar's, and Alvin Shah @ Church's for all the food donations tonight!

I've never seen such diversity within a group of volunteers at SHO in my history of volunteering there (as short as it's been).

Thank you Hema, Jacyntha, Dyuti, Kenny, Kola, Patti, Rawle, John, Gaurav, Raksha, Lablanc, Jiten (Kid), and Chandni for everything tonight.

We could not have accomplished any of what we did tonight without you!!!

Thank you everyone!
Let's do this again!!!!!!!

Day 65

So today I joined the Care2 community (www.care2.com) - the largest online community for healthy and green living, human rights and animal welfare.

The email I got from them as soon as I finished creating my profile just about sums up what they are -  "with over 15 million members we’re the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. We make it easy for you to support the environment, human rights, wildlife, education, healthy living, women’s rights and much more… all in one place!

The website basically allows you to click (and for you iPad or iPhone users, you can just TAP!) to support different causes and organizations!

So I spent the rest of my evening clicking away to support children in need, saving rain forests, protecting big cats habitats, supporting research to cure breast cancer, feeding pets in need, protecting baby seals, preserving the ocean, feeding a rescued primate, raising awareness about global warming, helping stop violence against women worldwide, and protecting threatened wolves.

All this while recovering from girls night out!

It's soooooooo easy! Just do it.

I dare you!!