My afternoon project on Wednesday and Thursday was working at Re-Threads. This is basically set up as a small thrift store, but without any charge. So, people who are at a point where they cannot even afford the clothing at Rainbow's End (La Puente's thrift store) come here to gather the clothes they and their family may need. Re-Threads has been significantly understaffed recently with the volunteer switchover. So, there is still at least 10 large bags of donated clothes to sort and hang; this would give people more opportunity to find what they need. There is a
shortage on 0-24 month old clothes for boys and pants for men, as well as new underwear and socks. There are a number of beautiful handmade blankets (see close-up to left) in the store right now that customers love! Unfortunately, they are only allowed one blanket per family unit because of the shortage that is always there - especially as winter approaches. Can you imagine that - only 1 new blanket... maybe your only one! One man yesterday had two blankets. He wanted one to sleep on and one to make his "free for the taking" couch presentable. I feel like such a meanie telling them they can only have one. There was a mother that came in with 3 young children today. They were on their way from Texas to Washington on the Greyhound bus when her
husband became ill. Now, they are staying at the shelter and trying to find some clothing for the kids. (My assumption is that most of the money they had is - or will be - put toward the bus tickets.) The kids were so cute, and the mother seemed to have a peace or joy about her that I haven't seen in many other people. The one boy was so excited because the store has a dressing room and he could try on his clothes first! - He came out to inform me that the pants did not fit, but I cheered him up with a Yu-Gi-Oh shirt I had just found while sorting clothes. It was nice to be able treat people in need with respect and dignity, which somehow I have found difficult in the past when they are just begging on the street. It reminds me that the beggars deserve the respect, too.
My afternoon project on Wednesday and Thursday was working at Re-Threads. This is basically set up as a small thrift store, but without any charge. So, people who are at a point where they cannot even afford the clothing at Rainbow's End (La Puente's thrift store) come here to gather the clothes they and their family may need. Re-Threads has been significantly understaffed recently with the volunteer switchover. So, there is still at least 10 large bags of donated clothes to sort and hang; this would give people more opportunity to find what they need. There is a 
shortage on 0-24 month old clothes for boys and pants for men, as well as new underwear and socks. There are a number of beautiful handmade blankets (see close-up to left) in the store right now that customers love! Unfortunately, they are only allowed one blanket per family unit because of the shortage that is always there - especially as winter approaches. Can you imagine that - only 1 new blanket... maybe your only one! One man yesterday had two blankets. He wanted one to sleep on and one to make his "free for the taking" couch presentable. I feel like such a meanie telling them they can only have one. There was a mother that came in with 3 young children today. They were on their way from Texas to Washington on the Greyhound bus when her 
husband became ill. Now, they are staying at the shelter and trying to find some clothing for the kids. (My assumption is that most of the money they had is - or will be - put toward the bus tickets.) The kids were so cute, and the mother seemed to have a peace or joy about her that I haven't seen in many other people. The one boy was so excited because the store has a dressing room and he could try on his clothes first! - He came out to inform me that the pants did not fit, but I cheered him up with a Yu-Gi-Oh shirt I had just found while sorting clothes. It was nice to be able treat people in need with respect and dignity, which somehow I have found difficult in the past when they are just begging on the street. It reminds me that the beggars deserve the respect, too.
3 comments:
The name of your blog is very clever...glad to hear that all is well. Sorry that we weren't in church to say goodbye, but you know that you will be in our prayers. Love the photos, keep them coming!
Beth and Ted
So I am such an airhead, I just now (after reading the blog from the beginning) realized your blog name. I wondered why you left out the o. I actually had to say it out loud. So thanks to Beth it hit me. I will send you pictures of my little Nada sometime.
Love ya
Tracy, Brian, and Nada Lyn
I couldn't find your email with your blog address. I just googled "coloradyoh's" cuz I did remember that part! Sounds like you guys are diving right in. We miss you and are praying for you.
Lorien
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