Thursday, April 23, 2009

in a time of great need

Over the weekend the Wife and I were talking about how incredibly blessed we are to have this life. In a time of crisis for the majority of the world we are globe-trotting and dealing with "stresses" like deciding on just what amazing place are we going to fly to for the weekend...which makes us both feel very guilty. We decided then and there to try to find a way to give back more than our normal donations to charities.

And just like that, on Tuesday we received a package of mail from the States that included a letter from the Genesis Shelter in Atlanta. This is the organization we work with each year to sponsor families at Christmas (you know the big party where you bring a toy and eat lots of food and drink lots of booze?). Due to the decrease in corporate donations they are really struggling and they need help to continue to provide services.

I know I've blabbed on before about what an amazing organization this is but bear with me. They are the ONLY shelter to take in homeless families with newborns in Atlanta. They not only provide shelter, food and medical care for these families (many of them single women fleeing abusive homes) but they also give childcare for the children while providing job training and education to the mothers. They then help these women find adequate housing and help with job placement to ensure they get back on their feet.

I know everyone back home is struggling right now...worried about their jobs, their finances and their future. But, as our President has reminded us we need now more than ever to work together to help one another. So, if you could spare just a little for some people in even greater need I know these women and children would be forever grateful. And if you can't donate financially the shelter has all kinds of need for volunteers.

It is really easy to donate online.

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no person can sincerely try to help another without helping themselves." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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