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
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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 others, began to work on this year’s FOTHOC not long after the 2003 project ended. A list of items to buy and seek by donation was compiled. Manufactures of various products were contacted and ask to contribute. Shopping excursions got underway for non-perishables and, as Christmas approached, for food and other dated things.
When people gathered on Christmas Eve morning at the International Headquarters of FOTHOC – aka Tom and Debbie’s house – the first order of business was opening boxes and containers containing multiple items. Then they separated articles and placed them strategically around the room so they could be packed in logical order (heaviest things on the bottom of the bags, lighter items in the middle, crushable foods, etc., on top).
Next the assembly line sprang into action with a frenzy of excitement and enthusiasm that would make Santa’s elves appear listless. Every holiday bag was passed around the room to 18 stations, at each of which one or more items was added to its contents. (Images by Bruce attached.)
The result of those efforts: 100 large, reusable bags brimming with gifts ranging from practical and pragmatic to fun and festive to delicious and, in some cases, nutritious.
A number of the items were repeats from previous years that have proved to be welcome by recipients: Warm hats, gloves and socks. Rain ponchos. Headphone radios. Playing cards. Sewing kits. Small travel clocks.
Others were things the project organizers believe come in handy: Toothbrush and toothpaste. Soap in a plastic container. Chapstick. Aspirin. Can opener. Metal eating utensils. Plastic drinking cups. Packets of tissues.
There also was a huge amount of food this year, including countless homemade cookies, brownies, candy and other goodies contributed by a large number of kind-hearted folks. Juices, fruit packs, fresh fruit and other treats added to the appeal. Topping it all were cards made by Isabel, wishing recipients a Merry Christmas.
Christmas morning arrived with a cold spell, which prompted an article in The Washington Post about the homeless, which reported that three people already have died on the streets so far this winter. It also referred to men and women who don’t use the overnight shelter system and are at greatest risk and need, which are those that FOTHOC targets.
The four FOTHOC cars, filled to the brim with participants and packages, made their way through the streets of downtown Washington. Passengers kept their eyes peeled for individuals and small groups of homeless people seeking protection from the frigid weather on sidewalk heat grates, in small parks, down Metro and building stairwells and the like.
After handing out the 100 bags, the delivery people gathered to share the traditional Chinese luncheon and stories of their experiences earlier that morning. These included:
The man who had created a virtual apartment adjacent to a heat grate, including a queen-size mattress, and had constructed an ersatz Christmas tree complete with garlands, ornaments and a sign that read, “Winter Dreams.” After all, he explained, “This is my home.”
Another man who, after giving thanks for his gift, added, “I really need your help and prayers.”
A number of people pointed to one or several friends nearby on the sidewalk or across the street and asked if they also could receive a bag.
A loner watched quietly as several people received FOTHOC parcels. When the car stopped and he received his, he said quietly” “I saw you give those guys gifts. I didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to get one, too.”
When a man offered to sell a battery-driven razor he had received for $1, Isaac handled the situation with Solomon-like wisdom by agreeing to accept it in exchange for a gift bag.
The car in which Marilyn was riding ran out of bags before every member of a small group of people got one. When she asked the last recipients if they would share with the others, they readily agreed.
A man immediately looked through his bag, pulled out the gloves to put on his cold hands, then smiled as he said, “I didn’t think they would fit this well.”
Four-year-old Dalya took her turn at giving out bags, and when nearly three-year-old Madelyn did so, the recipients delighted in chatting with her.
As Margo reported, there was “a lot of hugging going on.” Jen and Frances received their share, and Fyllis almost disappeared in the bear hug of a giant of a man who seemed to want to keep her.
Perhaps the most concise summary of reactions was voiced by the homeless person who, as he accepted his bag, said, “God bless you. This made my day.”
And Marilyn may have offered the best description of the most important gift that was given out on Christmas morning. She referred to the message, imparted along with the gift bags to men and women trying to cling to their dignity as well as their lives, that “someone cares.” That, after all, is what FOTHOC is all about.
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