With giddy anticipation, sandals and open toed shoes are being replaced with boot socks, gloves and scarves. Leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and pumpkin flavors are making their way into baked goods everywhere. Yes, it's finally Fall.
However, along with these warm thoughts comes a colder side to the holiday season.
HOMELESSNESS.
As I write this, sitting in my comfortable home, surrounded by heat in the air and food in my pantry, I realize how much of a crusader I must seem. You may be thinking, what do I know about homelessness?
And you know what? You'd be right.
I don't claim to be an expert. In fact, the area that I live is known as one of the wealthiest in America. I am deeply humbled when I think of all we have. But still, 3.68% of the population in Douglas County, CO live below the poverty line. And although that number is far below the national average of 14%, that's still
12,037 out of 326,841 people - many of whom are homeless. Not to mention the homeless population in surrounding counties including Denver Metro, who's numbers are even higher.
That's why during the month of October, Restoration Chiropractic will be collecting new and gently used ADULT sized sleeping bags for homeless individuals in our area. Because this is the time that the bags are most needed, we have coordinated our efforts with the Help and Hope Center here in Castle Rock who will distribute your donations locally.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Bring New or Gently Used ADULT SIZED Sleeping bags into our office.
Don't have a bag? Donate towards the Sleeping bag Fund during your next Chiropractic or Massage visit.
Spread the word via social media and among your communities and groups.
Help us raise our goal of collecting 75 sleeping bags before the end of October!
Visit our Give Back page to learn more about our company.
Each of us is guilty of ignoring someone in need or pushing thoughts of service for another time. Some even judge those who do not have a home and assume they brought it upon themselves. But is it really our place to judge? We never know what a person has truly been through or the struggles they face. What if instead we simply act with love, and give back to humanity?
So this year instead of ordering that Pumpkin spiced Latte, maybe you could put your money into something even warmer and much more rewarding... like a sleeping bag.
"Because I have been given much, I too must give; Because of thy great bounty Lord, each day I live; I shall divide my gifts from thee With every brother that I see Who has the need of help from me.
Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care; I cannot see another’s lack and I not share; My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, my roof’s safe shelter overhead That he too may be comforted.
Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord; I’ll share thy love again according to thy word; I shall give love to those in need, I’ll show that love by word and deed; Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed."