Thankful

For those of you with little ones, you may remember the children’s book titled “The THANKFUL Book” written by Todd Parr, geared towards three and four year-olds. Page after page, children learn what to be thankful for, like having a garden to watch things grow, for a bubble bath to keep squeeky clean, for friends to make us smile, for pets to keep us warm, and for music because it makes us want to dance. There are more of course and it’s a delighful little book.

But today as you read this, you are likely using your smart phone, your tablet, or your laptop. And you likely have a roof over your head, and will eat a warm meal tonight, and sleep in a warm dry bed. And you will have the option to take a shower in the evening before bed or in the morning before work, or both.

No doubt we all have a lot to be thankful for during this holiday season, and always.

We at Love and Care would like to turn your attention to the streets, where a growing population of those less fortunate are forced to endure cold and wet nights, hunger, disease, and loneliness. A large portion of them are veterans and another big chunk started out in foster care, and there are those with mental issues and substance abuse problems, and some are just unlucky. The reality is that homelessness is increasing at an alarming rate, and while we can’t solve it over night, we CAN help to make lives better by contributing to the cause.

Each year we organize a drive for winter clothing and outdoor survival gear. Think camping. Anything you might want to upgrade or get rid of, like cold weather wear, sleeping bags, or tarps for rain protection. Anything you can use when you are camping. And money works too of course.

Because the logistics of collecting the goods would be difficult, we ask that you would drop donations directly at the Union Gospel Mission, located at 400 Bannon Street, Sacramento, 95811. If we are coming to your home to perform a discounted service associated with a donation, we can pick up your donation then.

One of the most amazing services The Union Gospel Mission offers is a FREE nine month, in-house, drug and alcohol program for men; you have to be accepted into the program, but it’s one of the most successful and unknown programs around. See their website for a full list of the services provided: http://www.ugmsac.com/

Click here to donate directly to the Mission

Click here for a $30 furnace tune up (with donation to the Mission)

Click here for $500 off a furnace installation (with donation to the Mission)