Word on the street is that the first red Starbucks holiday cups have been sighted around town. In fact, there has been an uptick in chatter about the upcoming holiday season. My favorite holiday story is REI’s #OptOutside campaign which I plan on doing unless it’s snowing crazy snow in Colorado. If you haven’t heard of the #OptOutside campaign basically REI has decided to pay its employees and stay closed on Black Friday. Because, hey, there is something to be said about actually spending time with your family and friends during the holiday season.
I Love This
At the same time that we’re gearing up for holiday parties, dressing up and gift giving, I would like to gently remind people that there are people who are in need and need some additional support at this time of year.
One of the social subjects that I write about every few months or so is the topic of homelessness. I think that I write about it because I know how hard it was for my mom after my parents divorced. I know how hard she worked to keep us housed and fed. I remember her working at fast food restaurants and Safeway when I was little and the underlying tension that came with the situation that we were in.
What If?
As I ride my bike through the streets of Denver I find myself reflecting on that question-what if? I find myself fighting the urge to make judgements or to treat people harshly who are clearly struggling just to get by.
I work on a daily basis to always tap into the feeling of compassion and kindness that sometimes gets lost in this world where we’re jostling for our place at the metaphorical table. I remind myself that I don’t know what that person’s story is and it could just as easily be me.
I realize that I have thousands of dollars available to me if the sh$t really hits the fan. Or, I can live with my mom and rent my place out. I still have options. What if I didn’t?
A Call To Action
Before the Holidays really get going I would like to start a giving drive. Let’s help people in our community out and downsize in our homes at the same time how this will work!
- Choose a local homeless shelter and look at the items that they are needing.
- Typically those items include the following: UNOPENED (NEW) travel sized body products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, deodorant, dental floss, new socks, new undies, shampoo, and conditioner. Also, hair products specific for African-American hair, moisturizer, and conditioners depending on where you live.
- Collect items from your friends and family. Or, organize a day to have everyone deliver items to the selected shelter. Please make sure that they are open, and prepared to take your donations on the day that you schedule.
- Complete this drive by Wednesday, November 25, 2015 the day BEFORE Thanksgiving! Typically, giving drops before the Holiday season begins.
Thank you very much for helping me with this project. I’ve been struggling with a charitable idea to support via The Shop My Closet Project for awhile and I am very excited about this! Please share pictures of your donations via the hashtag:
#TravelSizedHelp
It’s kind of a clunky hashtag, but it works for this year. Will refine that later. So why products? If you know me or have followed my blog you know that I’m very particular about grooming. There is nothing worse than feeling like you can’t present yourself at your best-even when things are rough, especially when things are rough.
Please feel free to email pictures of your donations to: shopmyclosetproject@gmail.com. I would love to share pictures of the donations that you give to people in your communities!
Have a great day,
Michelle
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Great idea, Michelle!
Thanks Holly! Hope you can donate. Share a picture if you do 🙂