Invisible People (A Blogger Helps the Homeless)

Heard this NPR story (on my beloved local KCHO station) this morning about formerly-homeless Mark Horvath, a blogger who is helping the homeless by recording their stories on video (known as a "vlog") on his site Invisible People.tv.

Take a listen:



In 2009 Mark traveled across the country, handing out clean socks and interviewing the homeless as well as community leaders regarding the plight of the homeless during these challenging times. This week he traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, to capture the stories of the homeless there.  By raising awareness through modern technology (blog, vlog, twitter etc.), he's generating funds to assist those in need.  Pretty remarkable guy.

Here in Chico you can help by donating (time, food, clothing or money) to The Jesus Center, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, the Torres Shelter, or the Salvation Army. Even something as simple as cleaning out your closet and donating unused items can help.

Jesus Center - SI/Chico Field Trip

About 30 members of our local Soroptimist International of Chico club had the privilege of touring the Jesus Center facilities recently (1297 Park Ave., Chico, CA). What an impressive and dedicated group of people! According to Executive Director Bill Such (who is a dynamic and entertaining public speaker, by the way), over 93,000 meals were served to those in need in 2008. Dedicated to feeding (and now housing and clothing) Chico's hungry and homeless, The Jesus Center opened its doors in the early 1980s. Through the commitment of its staff and many, many volunteers (including members of our S/I Chico club along with other community service organizations), the Center expanded to include the shelter, Sabbath House, in 2002 (which houses an average of 18 women and children a month), and "The Free Store," where folks in need are given credit each month to "shop" for clothing and shoes.

My family and I have joined other S/I Chico members in helping to serve meals over the years, and I have to say, it's a very rewarding experience (and such a simple thing to do; just an hour and a half!). Many of these folks have come on hard times and are so grateful for a hot meal and the friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere provided by the Center.

One time I was serving, and a weary-looking woman came through the food line with her young son (about my son's age at the time, 12 or 13). They had just arrived from somewhere up north and were inquiring about shelter for the night. I have no idea what their story was, but I'll never forget the anxious look on the boy's face as his mom was advised the Center may not be able to accommodate them that night. Talk about heart breaking!

To find out more about volunteering at The Jesus Center, click here or email Volunteer Coordinator Debra Howell at dhowell@jesuscenter.org . Donations of money, food and clothing can be made delivered to The Jesus Center 8:30 to 4:00, Mon. through Fri. (1297 Park Ave.)

Click here to view a few photos from our S/I Chico tour. (Once in Flickr, click on "Slide Show" in upper right to start.)

Dog Cat Rat

Click here to watch this amazing video. Apparently the Mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a holiday card.

As the man says in the video, "Now can't we all just get along?"

Had to share this. : )

Run for Food

Because I was in Healdsburg enjoying our annual family "Thanksmas" (combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas) celebration at the lovely home of our gracious hosts sister Becky and her handsome hubby Steve (talk about FOOD!), I missed the 3rd annual "Run for Food" event held in Bidwell Park. How proud I was of our generous Chicoans when I read an online article in the Chico E-R about the success of the run! More than 2,600 runners pre-paid the $25 to $30 fee to make the five-kilometer run, and apparently about twice that number ended up participating, resulting in over $65,000 raised to help the Jesus Center in their ongoing efforts to feed those in need. Over the years, my fellow Soroptimist of Chico members and I have taken turns volunteering to serve meals at the Jesus Center, sometimes enlisting the help of our children (which I felt was a very valuable few hours spent with mine), and I have always come away feeling a renewed gratitude for my family, friends, home and the many gifts I enjoy in life. And isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about anyway? Happy holiday season to you and yours!