[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]There are many ways to spread kindness in your community. Several of our supporters opt for simple acts of kindness that they can do on their own or with a friend. Others reach out to local community organizations to lighten the load of others who are already engaging in good works. This past spring, Treasurer David Antonelli and his wife Miranda helped take part in their church’s efforts to help those experiencing homelessness.
Each year, the Presbyterian Church of North Texas holds a weekend-long, area-wide youth retreat called Senior High Youth Connection (or SHYC for short). Among the activities for the weekend is a mission project to benefit the surrounding community. This year, SHYC collaborated with SoupMobile, a charitable organization that provides meals to those in the community who are experiencing homelessness. The goal for the weekend was to pack 10,000-15,000 snack bags and 2,000 hygiene kits for the homeless in and around Dallas, Texas.
The SoupMobile is a ‘mobile’ soup kitchen that was founded in 2003 “on a wing and a lot of prayers”. They are a faith based non-profit charity serving the homeless in Dallas, Texas. The SoupMobile provides an incredible 250,000 meals per year. They also provide a safe house for women fleeing domestic violence, work with local motels to assist with emergency housing, and maintain a duplex for homeless veterans. On any given night, they can be actively assisting 15-25 people in need of shelter.
Joining Forces
With funding from Random Acts, David and Miranda were able to purchase the supplies needed for the SHYC retreat’s snack bags and hygiene kits. Several local churches also sent supplies along with the young people who participated in the retreat. Working together, SHYC was able to surpass their goal and pack 16,925 snack bags and 2,016 hygiene kits. At the end of the retreat, the participants delivered the supplies to SoupMobile for distribution. The following day, SoupMobile volunteers canvassed the Dallas, Texas area, delivering supplies to the homeless wherever they found them, rather than asking the homeless to come to a specific location.
Some of our favorite kindness stories are the ones where a single supporter realizes the impact they can make all on their own. But we also love seeing people come together and pool their resources to make a bigger impact in their communities. If you’re looking for a new way to spread kindness near you — or if you’re not sure where to start! — we encourage you to connect with local organizations who are already doing good things, and lend a hand there.
And as always, if you have an idea that needs a little financial assistance, let us know! We may be able to help. Click here to learn more about Sponsored Acts.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
