Locations: Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, Bernard Park

Friday: Day Before the Event

This Friday afternoon was actually really calm and we were able to organize ourselves better. We had our volunteer Deanna arrange to pick up the donations from Panera. She was able to get a box of bread and 7 boxes of pastries. We decided that this would all be going to Cornerstone this weekend as they are fully operational again.

On the other side, Ashlei was able to make sure all of the care bags were ready for the Park event we have. This month’s care packages had: Shampoo, razors, ear cotton swabs, toothbrush and cap, toothpaste, tea, disposable masks, soap, deodorant, and candy. We are happy to also say that we also were able to make 20 packs of feminine care packs as well which had: pads, tampons, a hair tie, razors, and mascara.

Saturday: Day of Park Event

We received work by 9:30 that the drop-off at Cornerstone was completed, with them giving us a big thank you for the donated items. We would not be able to do so without the help of Panera and Deanna as well, therefore we would like to send a huge thank you to them as well for helping us.

As for the Park event, it began this time closer to 10:30 due to minor transportation issues. Ashlei met up with Abby at the park, this time we had no extra volunteers with us, but we are working to change that soon.

As soon as we started setting up, we had some of the ladies there say thank you for coming by to do this. Although they had not approached the table yet to see what we were there to give, they were still very grateful for us just being at the park. We actually got the opportunity to talk to one of the ladies and as she shared her story, it was even more reinforced as to why our mission is important and why we are making sure we can help others. It was actually really nice to know that we are making a small impact and helping even if only with this small care package.

Some did approach us asking if we were the ones that give out hot meals, they let us know that there is someone who comes by on Saturdays during lunchtime to provide them with a small hot meal. We would like to have this be a possibility in the future but until then, our care packages will do. Many even came asking for the care packages because they heard we were there, that was really amazing to hear. We have been doing this activity since February of this year and we are happy to know that they remember us and we have also come to recognize some of them that approach us. We look forward to the day when we can give them more than a care package, but we have to take one step at a time, just like everyone. Because although it seems like you need to run to the finish goal, we all have to learn how to walk before we run. We all have to learn and grow, and as we build this program and our resources we will make sure we can give back as much as we can.

Until the next Event,

Stay Safe! Stay H.O.P.E.F.U.L!

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