A survey released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016, says 1 in 4 Americans volunteer during the year. But that number skyrockets during the holidays. Everyone wants to volunteer during the holiday season. And that’s great– but, there are people who need your support long after Christmas day.
Some groups right here in the Valley are making a difference 365 days a year– and they could use your help!
We spoke with Nicole Reynolds, from BeArded WARRIORs. She tells us that on rainy and snowy days, it’s important for the homeless to have clean and dry clothes. She says, “If we let them take their clean clothes and leave here, they’re going to be soaked by the time they leave.”
The BeArded WARRIORs of Huntsville have picked up locals who are suffering from homelessness and taken them to a nearby laundromat to wash and dry their clothes. They do this every third Saturday of the month.
Alicia Bailey, from BeArded WARRIORs tells us, “Everybody struggles from something….If the community can rally around someone who doesn’t have that community, it can work wonders.”
Often times we take things like having clean and dry clothes for granted– but, something this simple could mean the difference between sickness and health. One man tells us, this is no small blessing.
Bobby Quimby has been homeless for around 3 years. He tells us, “This is like family to me, every time I come to do laundry. It’s like a big family reunion.”
Another group, The Rose of Sharon is a ministry soup Kitchen here in Huntsville. They have no stoves, and their building is under construction but they still find ways to deliver meals to “Tent City”– Huntsville’s homeless camp–up to three times a week.
They say you can do the same by making what they call “Blessing Bags” and handing them out to those in need.
We talked to Nancy Salmon, from The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen. She says, “This right here is a hot commodity (pointing to toilet paper). And this is something that anyone can do. You can make these bags up and keep them in your car. And if you happen to encounter a homeless person, you can just hand it out the window and it will truly be a blessing.”
Nancy tells us the work goes far beyond the holiday season. And it helps more than people know. She adds, “It’s a way to love someone. It really is.”
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