Hi, everybody, here's the recap of this year's FOTHOC event that my Dad wrote up.
I might add a couple of things:
1) This was by far my worst year in terms of passing things out; people didn't want the bags; they asked for money, they were sullen and unappreciative. The other three cars had much more positive experiences.
2) People have been so monetarily generous that we will add thermal underwear (both tops and bottoms) and a fleece blanket next year.
3) We tried some new routes this year, but discovered that there weren't many people there -- the old routes, while we are sometimes duplicating other people's efforts, still seem to be the best.
4) For the third year, we are going to be giving away 100 coats on New Year's Day.
Thanks!
Tom
--
Twenty-six people, ranging in age from 4 to 71, unpacking boxes and placing individual items in gaily colored plastic bags.
Four cars winding through the streets of downtown Washington, occupants keeping their eyes peeled for anyone who looked like a homeless person who could use assistance – and a bit of joy.
Recipients of the gift bags, and the care and concern they represent, offering their thanks and blessings, shaking hands and in some cases giving bear hugs to those who dropped by to offer a bit of holiday help and cheer.
These are among images that stick in the minds of those who delivered 100 fully laden bags this Christmas morning. They represented the final stage in the 2004 operation FOTHOC (Friends of the Homeless on Christmas), which was conceived and launched by Tom Block and now is in its ninth year.
Everyone who supported, contributed to, and/or participated in any way in the ninth annual FOTHOC played a vital role. Hopefully, this report will enable those who could not take part in every aspect of the program to at least enjoy it vicariously.
As always, Tom and Debbie, and some oth ...More...
underneath the file name (just above the picture). Spammers need not apply.
