I made it to SafeHouse this evening. Handed out socks till I ran out, and stocked up the deodorant. Had a long conversation with one gentleman, he said I had to make up for the times when I am traveling and socializing with other people...we talked about life, what we've each been up to, Indian weddings, business, and what it takes to be a leader. We always have fascinating conversations!
The rain and cold definitely thinned out today's crowd, so once the meal was served, we put up chairs and cleaned the lot.
Today was a big reminder of winter coming up and there were several people who didn't have something warm to wear. So if anyone has blankets or winter clothes that they would like to donate, consider taking it down to SafeHouse, or pass them on to Dona or I and we would be glad to turn them in for you!
On another note, Dona's good deed for the day - giving her lunch to someone who is homeless and hadn't had a meal in days.
It's easy to give back, just find an opportunity!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 248
Jiten and I started our Labor Day holiday off with meal deliveries for Open Hand. We had a couple of stops at different apartment buildings, and had all but one meal delivered successfully!
We got a lot of "thank you's" from the residents and a few minutes of exchanging pleasantries with everyone - sometimes that's the only interaction they have for the day, so we both make sure to always spend the time doing that.
Once we were done, we headed back. We made our deliveries in less than 2hours, thanks to my impeccable direction-giving!
We got a lot of "thank you's" from the residents and a few minutes of exchanging pleasantries with everyone - sometimes that's the only interaction they have for the day, so we both make sure to always spend the time doing that.
Once we were done, we headed back. We made our deliveries in less than 2hours, thanks to my impeccable direction-giving!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Day 247
So we ALL love puppies, right? I've had one, and given it away as soon as it started to grow...
I got an email alert from Care2, about Pet stores receiving their puppies from "puppy mills"! Ack... That's just Terrible!
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit is put ahead of the well-being of the dogs. Puppy mills typically raise dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and churn out as many puppies as possible to supply the pet store and online puppy industry.
For today's Daily Action, learn more about pet stores and puppy mills, and then pledge not to buy anything from pet stores that sell puppies - not pet food, kitty litter, or squeaky toys -- nothing!
So I logged on and pledged not to buy puppies from Pet stores that associated with these Puppy Mills.
And to add to my list of saving chimps, seals, etc... Today I saved Puppies!
How cute, and warm, and cuddly am I!
I got an email alert from Care2, about Pet stores receiving their puppies from "puppy mills"! Ack... That's just Terrible!
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit is put ahead of the well-being of the dogs. Puppy mills typically raise dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and churn out as many puppies as possible to supply the pet store and online puppy industry.
For today's Daily Action, learn more about pet stores and puppy mills, and then pledge not to buy anything from pet stores that sell puppies - not pet food, kitty litter, or squeaky toys -- nothing!
So I logged on and pledged not to buy puppies from Pet stores that associated with these Puppy Mills.
And to add to my list of saving chimps, seals, etc... Today I saved Puppies!
How cute, and warm, and cuddly am I!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Day 246
It has been another busy day! Between wedding events, DragonCon, NFL draft and everything else I wasn't sure I'd make it out today. Fortunately I was able to sneak out for a little bit to spend the evening at SafeHouse.
I met another wonderful volunteer who plans on being there quite often; for most of the evening we sat in a group and just had random conversations. We were also sitting by the fence and could see many people dressed up for DragonCon - the outfits of course led to many interesting conversations, and we reminisced about some of the characters we had seen growing up.
I only had one one-on-one conversation with a SafeHouse frequenter. We caught up on life, work, and family. We then talked a little about Indian culture and then moved on to hair styles and NFL draft picks.
It was nice having a laid back day there...I'll be back during the week :)
I met another wonderful volunteer who plans on being there quite often; for most of the evening we sat in a group and just had random conversations. We were also sitting by the fence and could see many people dressed up for DragonCon - the outfits of course led to many interesting conversations, and we reminisced about some of the characters we had seen growing up.
I only had one one-on-one conversation with a SafeHouse frequenter. We caught up on life, work, and family. We then talked a little about Indian culture and then moved on to hair styles and NFL draft picks.
It was nice having a laid back day there...I'll be back during the week :)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Day 245
With all the weekend activities finding an opportunity to volunteer is going to be a little tough. So to take care of today's giving Hema and I went on freerice.com and donated over 15000grains of rice.
Also, on our way out, we stopped at SafeHouse to drop off a birthday cake for one of the regulars. He loves German Chocolate cake and grape soda, so he got both those things today :)
Hope he has an awesome birthday!
Also, on our way out, we stopped at SafeHouse to drop off a birthday cake for one of the regulars. He loves German Chocolate cake and grape soda, so he got both those things today :)
Hope he has an awesome birthday!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 244
Whatever the word is for beyond exhaustion - that's where I am today!
On my way home I stopped at SafeHouse and spent the evening having conversations. There was a regular church group there today and they were super organized so I stayed outside on the lot and had many conversations. It started with a lady who was just really angry, a couple of us were talking and she joined our conversation but left soon after because everyone kept trying to turn her statements into positive things.
I caught up with some of the regulars and conversations went from cars, to fishing, to property in Athens. As the evening came to an end, I met a lady with three little kids - a 3year old boy, 2 year old girl (her birthday was today), and a 9month baby girl. She has been on the streets and came to SafeHouse a couple of weeks ago to ask for help. She has been staying at a nearby hotel while they arrange for some permanent housing/programs for her to move to.
She arrived at SafeHouse at the end of service and needed to get back to the hotel with her kids. After some planning by one of the most wonderful guys there, he asked if I would be able to give the lady a ride to the hotel. I was more than happy to help out. As I drove, we talked...she seems like someone who is ready to get herself and her kids back on track. Once we got to the hotel, and they were in the process of checking in, I played with the kids. They have so much energy, laugh a lot, and loved the extra attention. They are beautiful, innocent children and I hope they get off the streets and that their mum is able to put her life back together.
Thank you SafeHouse for helping her start to find her way...
On my way home I stopped at SafeHouse and spent the evening having conversations. There was a regular church group there today and they were super organized so I stayed outside on the lot and had many conversations. It started with a lady who was just really angry, a couple of us were talking and she joined our conversation but left soon after because everyone kept trying to turn her statements into positive things.
I caught up with some of the regulars and conversations went from cars, to fishing, to property in Athens. As the evening came to an end, I met a lady with three little kids - a 3year old boy, 2 year old girl (her birthday was today), and a 9month baby girl. She has been on the streets and came to SafeHouse a couple of weeks ago to ask for help. She has been staying at a nearby hotel while they arrange for some permanent housing/programs for her to move to.
She arrived at SafeHouse at the end of service and needed to get back to the hotel with her kids. After some planning by one of the most wonderful guys there, he asked if I would be able to give the lady a ride to the hotel. I was more than happy to help out. As I drove, we talked...she seems like someone who is ready to get herself and her kids back on track. Once we got to the hotel, and they were in the process of checking in, I played with the kids. They have so much energy, laugh a lot, and loved the extra attention. They are beautiful, innocent children and I hope they get off the streets and that their mum is able to put her life back together.
Thank you SafeHouse for helping her start to find her way...
Day 243
My apologies, everyone, for the delay in posting our blog for tonight!
Wow, where do I start... Giselle (our friend), approached us less than three weeks ago with a desire to do a 'cocktails for a cause' event for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, where her grandparents stayed. For patients suffering from cancer, the Hope Lodge hosts and tends for their needs for FREE!
After speaking to the administrative staff of the organization, we just KNEW they needed a little spark from the girls of Project 365. So after several conversations, innumerable emails, and nights after nights of planning we decided to have a Fundraiser for the Hope Lodge.
Tonight our weeks of planning came to fruition! And we couldn't have been more ecstatic with the turn out tonight!
We had lovely little melange of diversity tonight.
We had patients and staff from the Hope Lodge, families and friends of patients, colleagues and co-workers, our close friends and family - all out to support our cause tonight.
Chandni drove all the way out from Milledeville, Giselle took a half day, Raksha from RaRaw Candles cleared her afternoon - and we all came together to put together an amazing event.
And The Nook? They were outrageously understanding and supportive. I've not seen such heart-felt and community oriented group of individuals within one business in a very long time.
Our guests bought drinks, candles, and then donated in addition to that! We'll have a total amount for all of you soon after The Nook reviews their sales report for the night.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude towards everyone that lent us their support for the night. Not only did our friends and family go out of their way to support us, but you all came out with open hearts and open wallets!
This is where we (and I can speak for Chandni) draw our inspiration from. From you. From all of you who continue to inconvenience themselves, and make an unselfish move towards our mission to give back each and every day.
A 'THANK YOU' is probably not enough. But we mean it with the utmost respect and sincerity. Thank you... Thank you... THANK YOU!
Wow, where do I start... Giselle (our friend), approached us less than three weeks ago with a desire to do a 'cocktails for a cause' event for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, where her grandparents stayed. For patients suffering from cancer, the Hope Lodge hosts and tends for their needs for FREE!
After speaking to the administrative staff of the organization, we just KNEW they needed a little spark from the girls of Project 365. So after several conversations, innumerable emails, and nights after nights of planning we decided to have a Fundraiser for the Hope Lodge.
Tonight our weeks of planning came to fruition! And we couldn't have been more ecstatic with the turn out tonight!
We had lovely little melange of diversity tonight.
We had patients and staff from the Hope Lodge, families and friends of patients, colleagues and co-workers, our close friends and family - all out to support our cause tonight.
Chandni drove all the way out from Milledeville, Giselle took a half day, Raksha from RaRaw Candles cleared her afternoon - and we all came together to put together an amazing event.
And The Nook? They were outrageously understanding and supportive. I've not seen such heart-felt and community oriented group of individuals within one business in a very long time.
Our guests bought drinks, candles, and then donated in addition to that! We'll have a total amount for all of you soon after The Nook reviews their sales report for the night.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude towards everyone that lent us their support for the night. Not only did our friends and family go out of their way to support us, but you all came out with open hearts and open wallets!
This is where we (and I can speak for Chandni) draw our inspiration from. From you. From all of you who continue to inconvenience themselves, and make an unselfish move towards our mission to give back each and every day.
A 'THANK YOU' is probably not enough. But we mean it with the utmost respect and sincerity. Thank you... Thank you... THANK YOU!
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