Katherine Daniel ~ Editor in Chief
The Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Templeton Senior Center hosted its first Blessing Bags for the Homeless Drive event from January 2-January 29, 2019.
According to the Templeton Senior Center Facebook page, “Help out a citizen in need this winter by donating items to the Templeton Center during the month of January! We are in need of hygiene products, hand warmers, wipes, first aid kits, socks, hats/scarves/gloves, etc. Check out the website for more info, or call the center!”
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Specialist, Krista Habermas, said, “This is our first year doing this event and my goal is to help local citizens in need during these cold, winter months. During the month of January, we are collecting items to be donated to local citizens in need.”
Habermas said, “Items that are included but are not limited to in the blessing bags are: hand warmers, hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues, first aid kits, socks, blankets, pillows, personal hygiene products for women, wash cloths, Band-Aids, soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, hats, scarves, gloves, stationary, postage stamps, and pens/pencils. We will be assembling the bags and giving them to local agencies, who advocate for the homeless.”
According to the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website, “Templeton is hosting a drive during the month of January collecting toiletries, accessories, and non-perishable foods to be given to those in need this winter season. Accepted items include but are not limited to hand warmers, hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues, first aid kits, socks, blankets, pillows, and hygiene products. No used products please; only new items will be accepted. Items can be dropped off at Templeton Senior Center, 225 Wiggington Rd., January 2–29, Monday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.”
Habermas said, “It provides the community the opportunity to give of their time, money, and/or resources should they choose to participate in the drive. We have partnered with and supported similar drives here at Parks and Recreation such as the canned food drive and the Salvation Army collection.”
The assembly of the blessing bags will be on January 30, 2019 from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. According to the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website, “Following the month-long blessing bags drive, community members to come together to assemble the bags which will be donated to local Lynchburg citizens in need during the cold winter months. Help give back to the community by stopping in to assemble a few bags, or add your personal touch with a special note or homemade craft to put inside. Coffee and light refreshments provided. Participants can register in advance (by 1/28/19) or drop in on the day of to help assemble the bags.”
Habermas added, “If I can sacrifice a bit of my time, energy, money, and/or resources to help someone else in need, then it is worth it. I believe we are only as strong as our weakest link, so why not build others up around us and give to make a difference in their lives. The amount of blessing bags that will be made, will strictly depend on how many items we get donated, so spread the word and tell your friends and family to get involved before next Wednesday the January 30, 2019!”
For more information go to http://www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/programs-and-activities/blessing-bags-for-the-homeless-drive/ or contact Krista Habermas at krista.habermas@lynchburgva.gov.
