An Idea to Ponder: Pre-Stamped Envelopes

While on the phone with Rosie yesterday, we were talking about Socks & Gloves stuff and ideas for coming months. One idea that sprang forth was to carry pre-stamped envelopes with cards as we interact with homeless folks. What would they be used for? Well, we could encourage people we meet to write cards/letters their families. Many times people on the streets are estranged from their loved ones, so the idea here is that we can be a voice of encouragement for relational healing.

What do you think? Your two cents please...

We're Still Here

We are still here everyone. It's been a busy introduction to 2008, so not much has been written or talked about lately. I think too that we finished 2007 in such a strong way with so many events, that it was good to take a breather for a month. We will be getting together some fantastic events in coming months, so be on the lookout. Also, Tyson suggested that we change the monthly outing time to be a bit earlier than 6pm if the weather is terrible again as it was on Sunday. What do you think? Would it be best to shoot for an earlier time as we begin meeting once a month on Saturdays starting in February?

Donations from Children

One of our sponsors, Cordova Neighborhood Church, had their children's ministry collect both socks and gloves during the month of December in order to donate to us. They hung socks and gloves from a Christmas tree near the children's ministry wing of the church building. Cool, huh? Thank you to all of the children and families who gave in such a meaningful way. As Mother Theresa says, "we can do no great things, only small things with great love." Thank you.

Another Good Read

Do you ever ask yourself questions about whether you're getting the right things out of life, relationships, or the way you spend your money, time, or resources?

I've been reading Don Miller's book, Blue Like Jazz. It's a great and humble address of of of all these items and more.

Merry Christmas in the Cold

Thanks to all who spent part of their Christmas with the S&G crew in Caesar Chaves park today. The hot chocolate and Christmas cheer were such fun things to share with some old friends and some new friends today. And, ... if you were part of our caroling group -- whooo hoo! The singing with the guitar gave it a real homey feel. View photos at our Picasa Album here. If you snapped a few shots, please send them our way too so that they can get online.

In the mean time, I've just received this link to share some more photos from our Turkey in the Park Event earlier this month. Way to go photo-Dan. :)

Merry Christmas to All!

Cheap Blankets @ Rite Aid this Week

A lot of times we pass out fleece throws during the winter months. Rite Aids in our area are selling them at 3 for $9 (or maybe $9.99). That's the best cost I've been able to find all season.

I bought up all the blankets at my local Rite Aid; but, we could use another 25 for this month. We have some socksandgloves funds to spend on this. If you're willing to go shopping for us please post a comment here before Saturday and we'll arrange a way to get you reimbursed.

A Suit for an Interview

I can't even remember where this suit came from, though I think someone donated it for Socks & Gloves purposes. Whatever the case, this suit is hanging in my garage and is ready to be used for anyone that may need to be dressed for an interview. The pants are about 33-35-ish in waste and 32-ish in length. The jacket reads 46R on the tag.

I mention this because one of the things we want to try and do as a team is not only meet important temporary needs of people on the street (hunger, clothing, warmth, relationship, etc...), but keep an eye on how to help people get off the streets. So if you know someone who could benefit from borrowing a suit for an interview, let us know.

FYI: To all who may be new to Socks & Gloves, we want to put an FYI out to you that you do not always have to bring something when you come to an event. There may be times when others have donated toward an event or you have funds available to make a purchase, and so you bring something for a Socks & Gloves outing. But other times you'll simply bring yourself and show up to pass stuff out and hang out with people. That's a great thing.

"Christmas in the Cold" Sign-Ups

It is that time of year again. We'll be meeting in Caesar Chavez Park at 11:30am-1:00pm on Christmas morning in order to hang out with some homeless friends, talk, and enjoy some hot drinks together (Note that we do have a published bookmark with an incorrect time of 11am, so if you show up then, you'll probably see us 30 minutes later. Sorry for the miscommunication). We did have some previous published dates announcing This is a time to build relationship with the homeless, show love, resource people, pray if that is your thing, and quite possibly get a greater glimpse into the meaning of Christmas beyond opening gifts.

You are invited to come along with us for this event and also to get involved in ways as listed below. Please comment on this post or contact us through our website at www.socksandgloves.org for more information.

Items in red are still needed. Think in terms of bringing enough for 8-10 people:

- cookies (Heather)
- cookies Rosie & Family
- muffins (Heather)
- mini quiches - (Ann)
- muffins - Rosie & Family
- scones or muffins
- other food (Maynard & Gay)
- whipped cream (2 cans) (Mike & Kellie, Maynard & Gay)
- hot chocolate (Heather)
- hot chocolate (Maynard & Gay)
- hot chocolate
- coffee
- coffee creamer
- red sprinkles to make the hot chocolate & whipped cream look fun
- mini marshmallows
- entertainment: juggling (Jen & Megan)
- entertainment: Christmas carols- singing, guitar, instruments (Ryan. Any others?)
- supplies: paper plates, cups, napkins, utensils if necessary, plastic trash bags for clean-up, spoons for stirring, foil, plastic bags, sugar for coffee. (Ryan - left over from TIP)
- socks - Rosie & Family
- socks
- gloves - Becky
- gloves
- rain ponchos/umbrellas
- scarves
- beanie hats
- Blankets - Scott
- other ideas welcome...
- other resources
- donated clothing : Mike & Kellie will bring donated stuff from Flood,
- donated clothing: Ryan & Fam will bring donated stuff from CNC
- donated clothing: Becky & Family

Thanks for your support. All ages are welcome. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas. It is always so fun to see friends on Christmas day besides just family. Comment below with questions, ideas, or if you would like to sign up for an item in red.

Saint Baldricks

Saint Baldricks is an amazing charity. I was blown away to read about them this morning. What a powerful way to both identify with a child who has struggled with cancer and also raise money.

What Would Jesus Buy?

WWJB ?

If you go to church or not you have to see this. What is Christmas truly about? (I think we all know what it's not about) Is it about how much we give or get?


http://www.wwjbmovie.com/


"Fast and funny..."Reverend Billy is zany and energetic enough to hold the attention of those he’s preaching to — average to extreme shoppers, many clueless as to what globalization means — long enough for them to consider his crusade." - Laura Kern, The New York Times