Goodies Galore from all of you last week! We felt like Santa delivering from his elves to all! Thank you all for such a great mixture of things. It takes everyone, the sandwich makers, the shoppers who like to go get extra things when they go to the store, the makers of specially created treats like masks and goodies, the lunch packers, the people who take the time to see what they have already that someone could be happily using… What an amazing variety! We were able to give one lady right when we arrived there at the Austin Street Shelter some sheets. She was outside the gate for some reason and asked for a blanket, but was very happy to receive some of the sheets we had from one of you. Also, one of the residents saw the new underwear delivered and was so happy, as he was needing some. So thank you for bringing smiles to others faces.

We are now changing courses a bit, and instead of delivering to the Soupmobile, we will be delivering ongoingly for now to the Austin Street Shelter due to the drop-off time changes for the Soupmobile. Who knows? Maybe we can adopt different organizations to deliver to as time goes on. We are open for suggestions for sure. Austin Street takes deliveries all day, and they take a larger variety of items, although everything you have been doing and donating is more than happily received at the Austin Street Shelter. I will write our original list of things that are needed following the list of things from Austin Street Center’s web, so if any of your friends would like to join in any way to give, everyone can have both lists to choose from. I will be contacting the lady in charge there at the center for more specific requests. One volunteer there who has been volunteering for 26 years stated that they love receiving everything, especially food since the folks are now staying there all day instead of only at night. He did mention clothes as well (only gently used, please check before giving to make sure no holes, stains, etc.)

Please let us know by Friday if you would like a pickup so we can put you on the schedule. We will text you by Sunday evening about what time we will be picking up from your location. Have a great rest of the week, and thanks for joining us in being part of the giving community locally and throughout the world!

Here is their wish list directly from their website (all the things you have been giving are happily received!!)

Please, no children’s items or household goods.. Due to space on our cars, please put clothes neatly in boxes

Sanitizing Wipes (must contain 60% alcohol)

· Antibacterial Hand Soap (individual container or refill bottle)

· Clamshell Take-Out Food Containers (to use for serving meals). See Amazon Wish List

· Individual drinks, such as juice boxes, Capri Suns, Gatorade, water bottles

· Frozen breakfast foods

· Snacks: Individually packaged chips, fruit snacks, and crackers

· Individual packets of sugar and creamer

· Large and extra-large underwear for men and women

· Flip flops or shower shoes

· High strength reading glasses

· Feminine products: pads and panty liners

· Ethnic haircare products (oil-based shampoo and conditioner, edge control hair gel, herbal gro)

· Disposable razors

· Towels (new or gently used)

· Twin-size Blankets or Throws

· Jeans

· Short-sleeved t-shirts (for men and women)

· Shoes (for men and women), preferably tennis shoes and shower shoes

Gift cards to Sam’s Club, Walmart and Target can also go a long way toward helping us purchase these items!

Earlier List that still applies:

Individual portions of snacks like chips and/or individual portions of healthful cookies and desserts

Fruits like oranges, bananas

Water Bottles

Peanut butter/almond butter sandwiches (with or without jelly, jam ,honey)

Vegetarian Sandwiches, ie, with veggie patties, cheese sandwiches or the likes…

Pantry items, (please no meat), and some examples/suggestions are as follows:

Nondairy milk in boxes, dry and canned beans and soups/soup mixes, condiments, jelly, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats – please no white rice since many people have diabetes and sugar issues, protein powder, sauces, anything non-perishable that you yourself would eat, salsa, canned tomatoes, pizza crusts, nuts, seeds, packaged meals that don’t have to be refrigerated, nuts, taco shells, jelly/jam, etc., spices, healthful cooking oil, bars, pickles, condiments, cereals, etc.

Masks

Look forward to seeing you on Monday, September 21!

With love and blessings, Eric and Shakti

214-235-8324 and 214-394-0583