Christmas: A Time of Giving, A Time of Need - Please Help!

This evening, partly to remember the homeless who have died, whether from the elements of being homeless or other causes, for the "Longest Night" vigil sponsored by the Hospitality Center at St. Luke's Episcopalian Church.  It was an interesting visit, because they are staying open all night and the public can come in to pray, share some coffee & doughnuts, and to visit with whom ever is there.  My son, Chad, came along with me.  He, too, seemed very inspired to be of good company to some of the people there.

Anyway, the Hospitality Center is located inside of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 614 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403.  The hours that are open to the public are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am-2pm, and the 1st Saturday of the month from 8am-Noon.  They also offer a community meal every Monday at 5:30pm, and the 4th Thursday of the month.  They can always use donations for these events, and even if you can't donate food, coffee and nondairy creamer is always needed.

Other shelter services that are offered from November through March, are nightly stays, 7 nights a week, for those who, for what ever reason, don't qualify to stay at the regular homeless shelter, which have very strict rules because children live there with a parent.  In these instances, sleeping bags, blankets, pajamas in sizes medium to 2XL are needed for men and women, personal care items such as soap, tooth brushes and tooth paste, wash cloths and hand cloths, slippers, etc.

So.  Here is what I found out.  They are open this Wednesday for Christmas Eve.  I am not sure about the hours yet, but it's good to know that they are going to open.  But, because they had an early Christmas meal last Thursday, they will not be having a Christmas meal coming up this Thursday, which is kind of sad, since they can get up to 200 people coming in during the day, and up to 25 who come in to stay over night.  So, if it is possible, if anyone wants to donate their left over Christmas brunch, early or evening dinner, that would be greatly appreciated.

There are also about 4 computers that are open for use, and it's not just for the homeless people who stay, but for the general public as well.  But, because they don't always have access, such as days which the Center is closed, where they have to go to the Library, or Workforce Development Center to get access.  Notebooks and thumb drives would be helpful so they can save their work, especially when they are looking for jobs, and notebooks to carry their passwords and usernames.  These are pretty inexpensive at places like Walmart and Big Lots.

Here is what I am asking...  If anyone can help donate winter coats, gloves/mittens, scarves, men and women's clothing ranging from adult medium to 2XL, floor mats, sleeping bags or blankets, thumb drives, coffee & nondairy creamer, food, or even the left overs of your Christmas meal, it would be greatly appreciated.  I am planning on baking pies, again, and to bring at least a couple to the Center some time on Christmas Day.

Other helpful items, for gifts, may be decks of cards, board games, books, etc.  These don't need to be new.  What ever you're getting rid of to make room for your new gifts.

If you are unable to get to the Hospitality Center at St. Luke's 614 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403 between the hours of 8am-2pm, or don't plan on being downtown, you are welcome to bring your donations by December 24th to Youth Voice Initiative home based office at 3818 Lindermann Ave. Racine, WI 53405, or please give me a call at (262)721-7774 to leave me a message to pick up the items.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year, and this gave me new found appreciation to the fact that I have a place to call home, food in the fridge and cupboards, energy to power my appliances, a bed to sleep on, and the fact that I share this with my son, husband and two cats.  I also have other family and relatives as well as friends to spend important holidays with.  Please find it within yourself to make a donation of some sort, and if you deliver it, please let them know that Lika from Youth Voice Initiative sent you.  I will also ensure that your name, if you wish, will be on the card to deliver with the things I'm bringing to donate.

Blessings!