'Devil's Cave' story inspires homeless outreach

Many readers know Margie Sanchez, formerly of the SALT program housed at St.Mary's School (she now has karate classes at the YWCA).

Margie forwarded an email from her niece Lucy, who was moved by the CNN story on the 'Devil's Cave' to begin an effort for food and lightly-used clothing.

I am reprinting Lucy's email in its entirety below. (You may also want to check my previous post on supporting the FoodBank of New Jersey HERE).

---

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

- Barack Obama

Hello Everyone:

In light of the current economic crisis, and recent article about a group of homeless men that was run on CNN.com regarding the "Devil's Cave," in Plainfield, I think we should be pro-active and do a city-wide food and clothes drive for Plainfield Families. I am hoping we can spread the word and over the next two weeks through the Fire Department, Police Department, City Hall, School System, local Businesses, etc. and we can hopefully make a difference to a few families. I think it's important to counter any story that negatively affects the city with a positive activity or approach. So it's a small step but again, will hopefully provide a few meals for children and adults who are without the basic necessities fo life right now.

IDEAS FOR COLLECTING CANNED GOODS and LIGHTLY WORN CLOTHING:

• Forward the email to friends and family
• If you are hosting or attending a SuperBowl Party, ask people to bring canned goods or lightly worn coats AND clothing
• Provide your business location as a drop-off point for food
• Spread word through your website, if available
• Please TAKE PICTURES AND COUNT of your collected goods. This will inspire others to also make a difference if they can see that everyone is joining together.
• If you are going to participate, please let me know, as I would like everyone to receive some type of recognition AND thanks for their work. I believe again, it will serve as inspiration. If you forward the email on, please just let your friends and family know to make you aware of their efforts, so the community can know we are rallying together for a good cause. There is POWER IN NUMBERS!
• Contact me at 732-397-4693 if you have any other ideas or have questions.

I believe, collectively, we can make a difference and even teach our youth the importance of being grateful for what they have, and instilling in them the foundation of caring for our community.

RESOURCES:

Here is a list of other organizations, in case you were interested in donating to them instead: http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/rt_cgSS.html

CNN Article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/29/porch.cave/index.html

FLIERS: If you are interested, let me know, and we can have a flier with all of the businesses and local organizations on it to show we have come together to make a difference. I will make it.

PLACES WE CAN SEND IT TO: (some of the organizations will also stop by and collect the items if you don't have time)

El Centro Hispano Americano 525 E. Front Street Plainfield, N.J. 07060 (908) 753-8730

Primary purpose is to advance the rights and help meet the requirements of immigrants and expatriates through affordable legal, and social services.

The Salvation Army 615 Watchung Avenue Plainfield, N.J. 07060 (908) 756-2595

All Salvation Army facilities in New Jersey and the Army's Service Extension Program are able to provide assistance for basic needs

Fish Hospitality Program 456 New Market Road Piscataway, N.J. 08854 (732) 968-595

The FISH Hospitality Program is a shelter program, which serves homeless women and families by providing shelter and basic needs while assisting them to return to independent living in the community.

Meals-On-Wheels 305 E. Front Street Plainfield, N.J. 07060 (908) 753-3506

Information on senior meals programs.

---

-- Dan Damon