Although our time in Toronto was filled with music, shoe-shopping and lots of eating, Michael and I also did our part helping Michelle with volunteer clothes-sorting for a locally based charity called SAFETYNET…something she and her neighbor do almost every Sunday. SAFETYNET is an organization that provides wrap-around services that encourage independence and helps break the cycle of poverty for those in need. If a family is suffering financial hardship, be they immigrant or local, their community is there to help. They not only offer free clothing but also tutoring, music lessons, furniture, kitchen items and bicycles. For the items they do NOT offer, there are other local organizations that DO offer these services.
We went through the donated clothing and accessory items very carefully, looking for rips, holes, stains and broken zippers, buttons, etc. The clothing that’s finally offered to families is clothing they’d be proud to wear and happy to own. When you go through your closets, please keep this in mind as you choose which pieces to donate.
We have similar organizations in my home town, Syracuse, that offer the same services for families in need…as well as opportunities to volunteer time and goods…making the climb out of poverty so much easier for those making that journey. This volunteer time was a time that touched our hearts and made us aware of the need in every community, everywhere. Here’s some visual information about our time at SAFETYNET… double tap on each photo to see it completely.
My hope in posting this is that we all realize that there are those living among us who are in dire need of help. Consider donating your gently used items to one of these service organizations…or consider volunteering your time to help keep these essential organizations afloat. There will ALWAYS be families who are in need of their help.
Life...vivere.com 