The official write-up of the event, written by Victor Block:
FOTH Annual Report – 2006/7
To all supporters of, participants at and others interested (mildly or more) in the Friends of the Homeless project:
Recent changes were made to the FOTH project that was originated by Tom Block 11 years ago:
1. Packing and delivering 100 gift bags to homeless people on the streets of Washington was moved from Christmas to New Year’s.
This was considered a good change because other people distribute goods to the homeless on Christmas Day, but not New Year’s Day. However, a hard rain made it challenging to locate recipients, because most of them retreated to hidden doorways and other places of shelter not easily visible from the streets.
2. More items than in the past were included in the bags, and more people participated. Each bag contained a fleece blanket, thermal uppers and lowers, warm cap, rain poncho, three pair of warm socks, insulated gloves, soap in plastic container, toothbrush and toothpaste, skin conditioners and other amenities (pilfered from hotel rooms throughout the year by traveling FOTH supporters), eating utensils, cup, can opener, magnetic travel game set, deck of cards, dominoes, Walkman and countless foods items (fresh and canned fruit, juice, homemade treats, chips, candy, energy bars, cereal, peanut butter crackers, etc.).
3. Because of the number of items stuffed into the gift bags, the “assembly line” of people who filled them at Tom and Debbie’s home stretched around their family room, through the dining room and out into the living room -- a new linear record.
4. FOTH became a 501(c)(3) project, recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization to which contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
A total of 25 people, ages 2 to 73, participated in preparing the bags on December 31 and four cars were used to deliver them New Year’s Day. It would take too long to recognize and thank everyone who took part. The following vignettes, and attached images (taken by Bruce Guthrie), hopefully provide an idea of the 11th annual FOTH.
Some recipients immediately began munching on goodies, donned the rain parka or put on the Walkman earphones. Others carefully inspected each item in the bag .
A number of people asked if there were enough bags for their homeless friends nearby, and led us to where they were. This attribute of looking out for other people in the same situation is repeated every year.
After receiving his present, one man was especially helpful. He put on his shoes, escorted FOTH participants to where several other homeless people sought shelter from the rain, and counted the number of additional bags that were needed. Impressed by his thoughtfulness, 11-year-old Kayla Meier remarked, “He’s a great man.”
Dalya Spielberg Block (age 6) participated in distribution of almost all of the 25 bags in her car and, it was reliably reported, “did so with a lot of skipping.”
Tim and Mary Anne Meier each pointed to a “homeless person” in a small park, realized that it actually was a statue -- but still toyed briefly with the idea of leaving a bag beside it.
We received the usual ration of “Thank you’s,” “God bless you’s,” “Happy New Year” (as opposed to the “Merry Christmas” greetings of past years) and other forms of thanks.
Among responses to our queries about what could be added to make the bags more useful: “You can’t improve on what’s in the bag.” “This is exactly what I need for all year.” “Anything that’s in there is appreciated.”
One homeless person told Bruce Guthrie he wondered where Bruce had beenon Christmas Day, because the man said he remembered getting the same kind of bag from Bruce the year before. Jenny Bonney had a similar encounter.
Bruce was surprised that everyone he asked if he could take their photograph immediately agreed. One man asked Anne Spielberg if she had a camera (she didn’t) so she could take a photo of her daughters, Adela and Michelle, giving him his bag. He explained, “You’ll need a lot of proof to get into heaven.”
A woman asked Anne if she needed donations for FOTH, adding that she had $20 million and could help out.
Two general impressions: There were more women on the streets than in the past, and several people who appeared to be in their twenties.
At the usual luncheon and gathering following the distribution of bags, Tom Block presented “Gifts of Merit” to Fyllis Hockman and Victor Block, for their support of FOTH from the start, and to Bruce Guthrie, self-styled FOTH paparazzi, for his photographic and other contributions. It also was noted that Tom and Debbie’s youthful neighbor Isabelle Sletteback has been active with FOTH for six years.
Tom, who works on the FOTH project throughout the year, said the appreciation of the homeless people who benefit, and enthusiasm of the volunteer participants, give him the will to carry on.
Tom has some items already for the next FOTH, ideas for additional things to add to the gift bags, and the drive and impetus to continue his good work.
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