The months of March and April in Central Ohio.......can be almost anything with regard to weather. What it isn't is predictable. We can have freezing rain, sleet, snow, rain, or sunshine. The weather can change 40 degrees from one day to the next. So, even on a day when it might be pretty and sunny and 55-60 ish during the day, it can be extremely windy. A rain poncho provides a great wind break in those situations. Likewise it might be 40 and rainy all day and all night and these rain poncho's are again needed and appreciated.
Our good friend and long time supporter Anne Marie from New York donated 200 of these awesome poncho's. This is only a fraction of them in the picture. Didn't un-box them all as I delivered 3/4th of them the very next day to our friend Rae who prepares meals and feeds those in the elements on Saturday mornings.
I would imagine the poncho's might come in hand covering ones belongings also when out in the elements. Additionally, the shelters always appreciate these donations. You may not be aware, homeless who get nights here and there in shelters often still spend the bulk of their day outside until the magic hour they're permitted to come inside. This isn't necessarily slam folks on shelters either, many operate with a volunteer base and therefore often don't have the ability to operate any differently with regard to the hours they permit folks inside.
As always, many thanks AnnaMarie and please keep up the good work.
**This is the accounting I listed on rain poncho's when we closed out the numbers for 2015
Rain Poncho's is another item probably used all year long, like socks. Obviously it too is store bought and not handmade. In 2013 we donated 213, in 2014 there were 61 (152 less) and in 2015 we had 105 which is 44 MORE than the previous year and 108 less than 2013. Rain poncho's can be purchased almost anywhere. We donate the light weight ones that are folded in a small package which makes then very portable for the folks in need. So, we've now not only met our goal of matching last years number, we've passed it. YIPPEE, and even better.........we've broken our all time record for the number of this item donated. Way to go! That gives us now the ability to concentrate on some of the other items.
2016 DONATIONS:
Hats: 297
Scarves: 141
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 97
Slippers: 77
Rain Poncho's: 105 -200 = +95
Cotton Washcloths: 368
Afghans: 15
Socks: 189
Cowls/Hoody Combo's, headbands: 9
Shawls and shrugs, ponchos, sweaters & vests etc 0
Misc: items like personal care, headbands etc and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted.
Please note the category of shawl, shrugs, ponchos etc has reached our little goal, same as last year of 1.........but please please please.........don't let that stop you from making more of these items.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
