An Eye for Giving - Blanketing and Feeding America

"Blanketing America"
Approximately 12 years ago on my commute to work in DC, for the first time, my "eyes" focused on the numbers of homeless individuals in the blistering cold of winter. It was then that it was laid on my heart to hand out blankets to as many people as I saw and could provide for. Recognizing the enormity of my desire, I employed the hearts and help of my friends and co-workers. So, 12 years ago, an annual blanket drive was born. The first year my good friend Rebecca Sanders and I borrowed a grocery cart that was sitting alongside 15th street and loaded the blankets and coats from my car into the cart; we set out on our way into Lafayette Park to hand them out to those without shelter. As the donation continued to grow each year, we made visits to other parks where men and women have called home.

The smiles and hugs of gratitude from the recipients was the blessing that I received from giving. What I also noticed about my friends and colleagues that "gave" was that people desire to give to others, but many times may need someone else to organize the effort. After two years of handing out blankets, I broadened the giving to include coats. The end result is 500+ coats and blankets handed out and donated to neighborhood homeless shelters.

"Feeding the Homeless"
Blankets turned into blankets and coats-- and five years later-- home-prepared meals.

In 2002, my mother Elizabeth and I, with the help of my friend Sonja N, began preparing two Christmas dinners--one for our family --and one for those who may not know where their next meal is coming from. The dinners we prepare and package include turkey, ham, rice and gravy, green beans, hot rolls, and desert. We personally hand out 50-75 dinners on Christmas morning to many homeless in Washington, DC. Although these organized "giving" efforts are during the months of October thru December, I try to give tirelessly to my church, outreach ministries and to those I encounter in need throughout the year.

I truly belive that if we just "open our eyes and hearts" we all can find somewhere and somtheing to give. We all have an eye for giving. TO GIVE IS A BLESSING.. AND IT BLESSES...

Tonja W-Washington, D.C.