Why it was musician Veronica White-Pugh. Veronica is one of our amazing creative neighbors (you need to come out and Dig Crown Heights ya'll). Now invested in studying trumpet, she is a jazz bassist who has worked with musicians throughout the 1990's. She was attracted to our post because of her quilting hobby and also enjoys crocheting, knitting and weaving.
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major William L. Hendricks. to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501 charity located in Triangle, Virginia, serves to fund, raise funds for, and support the program.
What I hadn't realized was that Toys for TOTS has been around for so long. If you would like to participate in this program with us contact us at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com. We would like to get as many children as possible participating in this program and you are essential to making this happen.
but maybe its not volunteering you want but some fly Sue Rock Originals Gear - and in a hurry.
Unfortunately this is not the case in 2010. Non profits are big business. Stretched to the limits with funding and filing responsibilities, most do not have the time or the staff to create programs for their populations.
Our donation drive held the week after Mothers Day was heartwarming as it was illuminating. This year we again partnered with Safe Horizon. I had great anticipation at meeting the residents. And why not? Now I would be able to share the hopes of their participation in our Domestic Violence Empowerment Series. I could share the beautiful items created and get first hand responses. The day began with two of our original volunteers stopping by to visit – Ramona Kearns and Al Asia Shelton – it was kismet!!
When I arrived at the residence I was welcomed by the director and social worker. Sue Rock Originals Everyone brought 12 huge bags of hand knits, donated clothing, shoes and purses. We also received a shopping bag full of hotel size toiletries, a generous donor collected from amongst her friends (truly a brilliant idea!)
When we settled into the common room, I situated myself among the women (and one man!) and began to speak…….
As I spoke the women looked at each other……
The one man left the room visibly moved…….
I told the story of our loss and how Sue Rock Originals Everyone seeks to assist each resident at the level they are able to receive help at this point. No questions need to be asked. No invasive forms to be filled out. Just come and receive the plentiful resources that are available to enable them to replace all the items they had left behind. Giving them the skills of their grands and great grands….
I then encouraged everyone to select the items I had showcased around the room (to their amazement)….
And then the tears began to flow……
Speak with the social worker who had facilitated my visit, she said over and over
"You have no idea what this has meant to these people. To give so generously of your time and bring handmade items for everyone is just amazing. These women have stories you would not have wanted for your worst enemy. And you just spoke to them from your heart – for some the first time since they have left that someone spoke to them like a human being”
I was curious as to what the feedback was form other groups who had come by and I learned the sad truth –
NO ONE comes by to help or provide services…….
These comments were received by residents of the Safe Horizon residence SROE visited. I feel that their words speak volumes.
And finally
And that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?
SCO Family of Services has been caring for New York’s most vulnerable children and families for more than a century. Each year, we touch the lives of more than 30,000 people at 122 locations throughout New York City and Long Island.
Among our many services, SCO helps families devastated by poverty, children suffering from abuse and neglect, children and adults with special needs, and homeless families. SCO also provides innovative after-school programs and schools for children and teens with special needs. Additionally, SCO runs three neighborhood community service programs located in Brooklyn and Queens that provide a comprehensive range of services to sustain and nurture the family, thus ensuring the well-being of the community’s children.
The girls who came last Saturday came to offer Community Service and they got MORE than they bargained for - After light cleaning, they settled down and ALL LEARNED HOW TO SEW FOR THE FIRST TIME!!
Enjoy these photos!
