A community lunch to talk about the plight of the homeless last week netted more than 1,000 articles of winter clothing for Kent’s neediest citizens.
That was the word from Sally Goodgion, organizer of the Kent Kiwanis Club’s “Hope for Families 2010,” a fundraising lunch Dec. 9 that asked audience members to each contribute warm winter clothing as part of their admission.
“There were four or five of us and it took maybe three to four hours just to sort it all out,” Goodgion said of the mountain of clothing she and other volunteers went through and organized afterward at the Golden Steer, where the lunch took place.
In addition, the lunch raised $665 in cash – funding that will go toward various programs assisting with homelessness and food issues here.
Speaking were two sides of the homeless picture: Kent Police officer Autumn Majack, who on her patrol job works with the homeless (she’s known as “Miss Nancy” to them) and homeless-man-turned-successful author Richard LeMieux, who chronicled his life as a homeless person in his book “Breakfast at Sally’s.”
Both encouraged their audience of more than 90 to remember the homeless, and to acknowledge their integral worth as human beings, deserving of respect and compassion.
And above all, help.
The “Hope for Families” event is just one part of a bigger picture in which the Kiwanis have become involved.
The service club also is becoming involved in a new charity called “Willow’s Place,” named for the little dog who was LeMieux’s constant companion in his book.
Willow’s Place got its start roughly three months ago, when a few community members wanted to organize a weekly Thursday indoor meal for the homeless.
Goodgion, who was among that group of organizers, said they were able to find space at the Unity Church in downtown Kent for the weekly meal, and Willow’s Place was born. Meals are served on other days in other places throughout Kent, including the Kent Community Supper every Monday at Kent Lutheran Church, among them.
Goodgion said in the months since Willow’s Place began, they have begun seeing 60 to 80 people a night for the Thursday meal.
“It’s become a real community,” she said. “It’s a safe place for them to come – it’s more than just a place for a meal.”
Goodgion is hoping she can bring more public interest into Willow’s Place – especially with participation from area restaurants.
In addition to the Golden Steer in Kent, run by Jim and Susan Berrios, “we’re going to be looking for other restaurant to help do this,” she said.
Volunteers and donations also are accepted.
To learn more about Willow’s Place, e-mail Goodgion at catalysttravel@hotmail.com.
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