December 2019 Newsletter
On Our Hearts
Thankful Reflection Heading into the Christmas Season
We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! As Hearts reflects back on last month, while preparing for the Christmas hustle and bustle ahead, November certainly was a month to be thankful for. We thank God for the groups that joined with our regular volunteer Mobile Crew teams to help us reach out to the poor and homeless in Buffalo. We served some larger numbers in our feeding lines lately and the additional help was greatly appreciated. We would like to say thank you to the Junior League of Buffalo; Hope on the Hill Church from Holland; and, Zion Dominion Global Outreach (Zion joins Hearts every 4th Friday of the month) for joining us. When groups come to help out it makes the night even brighter and more special for our clients.
Hearts also brought on several new Mobile Crew and Kitchen Volunteers. We are amazed at how many wonderful and compassionate people there are out there with big hearts and a desire to help others.
Hearts serves the chronic homeless (those who have been living more than a year on the street). We focus on two basic needs for survival – food and clothing. We also help them survive in the seasonal weather conditions because many don’t have the 3rd basic need – shelter. If given the choice and ability, Hearts believes that most every homeless person we serve would choose a warm home over living on the streets or in a shelter.
Buffalo has already had some very cold days this season; and, as often as we can, Hearts’ desires to be able to supply the poor and homeless with the winter gear that they need to survive in the elements. It is a great feeling when we have exactly what they are in need of on our shuttle. Whether it is a warm coat, fleece jacket, or pair of winter boots in the right size; or a pair of socks, a hat, or face mask to keep the winter burn away; it always warms our hearts if we have the specific item they need and send them off with a smile on their face. They are always so grateful and happy when we are able to help them in these ways.
The same holds true for the poor people we serve – they come to eat at Hearts Mobile Soup Kitchen so they can use their cash for rent and utilities, and have a home to go to. Hearts doesn’t turn anyone away that stands in our feeding line. Most of us can empathize with the harsh reality that “the poor is still with us and always will be.” Deuteronomy 15:11
So, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this Christmas, and celebrate Hearts’ 29th year in service to the poor and homeless of Buffalo, we want to thank every one of you who has provided us that opportunity through your giving.
Do you have 2 hours available one night a week and interested in helping feed the homeless?
Email [email protected], call our office at 716-877-3536 or fill out an application online at heartsforthehomeless.org
By donating, your support changes lives.
Talk from the Street & Heart
11/29: Served 50; the bus broke down tonight at the library – thank you team leader Rick for staying on task to serve the large crowd that came out tonight.
And a big thank you, also, to Donna and the group from Zion Dominion Global Ministries Church for serving a Thanksgiving meal on the street tonight, in addition to all the clothing and items that you brought and handed out. God bless all of those who served on the team.
Support the homeless by donating to one of our red Donation Bins. Donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, and accessories can be made at one of our 400+ distinctive red bins. Your donations directly support the poor and homeless. While proceeds from our thrift store and recycling ministry are used to feed those in need and to maintain and expand our ministry. Use our Bin Finder below to find your nearest donation bin:
Hearts Thrift Shop
Thrift Shop News
♥ Christmas will be here before you know it. It’s not too late to stop in and shop for Christmas decorations, gift wrap, or that perfect Christmas item to brighten someone’s day! We are amazed at the wonderful holiday donations people give to our store to sell. All of our merchandise is gently used or brand new. Don’t forget every penny you spend at Hearts Thrift Shop, goes back into caring for the people in the Buffalo Community and the poor & the homeless.
All Holiday Heels $4.99
♥ Last month Hearts Thrift Shop was all about helping those who could not even afford our thrift shop prices. We received call after call from people in need of clothing and shoes for themselves and their children. We also received calls from agencies that had clients with similar needs – The Tabernacle Church; Peace Prints; Catholic Charities; and GBuahn Health Home. We try to help as many as we can by allowing them to shop for free or we set clothes aside for the agencies to come and pick up for their clients, also at no charge.
♥ As always, if you are interested in supporting us and want to do some shopping, but can’t make it to the store, you can shop from the comfort of your home on eBay at https://ebay.com/usr/heartsthriftshop2011 currently, there are 376 items for sale. Check us out!
Where to find Hearts for the Homeless’ Thrift Store
(click map for directions)
