Thursday, November 15, 2012

Writing and Learning

One thing I love about life is that there is always more to learn. Textbooks, history books, even fiction novels have something to teach us. Possibly the most important lesson I've learned so far is that, despite efforts to help, there will never be enough support for those in need. Homeless shelters will never be empty.There will always be a large number of unwanted children in the foster system or orphanages. And domestic violence shelters will always have a waiting list.

A few weeks ago, I interviewed a woman who manages a domestic violence shelter. She told me that even with federal money and private donations, the shelter is always in need. That the women and children living there, and on the waiting list, will always have to go without something or other because sometimes just feeding them is tough. So I took a list from her, a list of things they're always in need of. Besides the obvious things like business clothes, casual clothes, toiletries, and feminine products, they're looking for childhood items. As an example we laughed over, what kid wants to eat Cheerios instead of sugary Frosted Flakes? Drink water over apple juice?

The items many people fail to consider are the items shelters are in most need of. The food that has a short shelf life. Milk, bread, juice, fruit. So many people donate canned goods and pasta that they have overloads of those items and not simple things to mix the routine up a bit, like taco seasoning or boxed cake mixes and frosting.

So if you're thinking about donating clothes or anything you don't need anymore, skip Goodwill. There are always plenty of donations for Goodwill. Instead, Google a domestic violence shelter in your area and send your donations to them. Even if it's only a bag with a few shirts and some child toys, they'll appreciate it more than a corporation will.


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