Once again above the clamor of the holidays, we occasionally hear the cries of the poor, though most of us not personally, but at a safe distance, usually heard on television, from the comfort of our living room, where a log burns in the fireplace, our children play in the other room, cookies bake in the kitchen, a hot toddy in hand. We don’t like to think of families sleeping on the sidewalk, in tents or in their cars, on cold winter nights,
It doesn’t mix well with our dreams of a “Happy Hanukkah” or “Merry Christmas.” Nevertheless, this is the reality for many without a house in Portland. When ice makes sidewalks slippery and freezing winds blow, shelters fill up fast.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Agencies, Shelters, and Clothing Centers,” need blankets, sleeping bags/pads, warm clothes – particularly coats, sweaters, gloves and scarves, underwear, and socks – “always socks” -- as well as personal hygiene items.
Food banks and organizations feeding the hungry need canned goods, packaged pasta, cooking oil, peanut butter, beans and rice, etc.
Toy drives need gifts to delight and excite children’s imagination. Angel trees need gifts to make their wishes come true.
And, we all need “love!” As we close 2022, let us rejoice in all that binds us as one human family. Let’s hug and help each other. Let us be joyful in our giving and grateful in our sharing, understanding Earth’s abundance is meant for all.