The last of the pajamas were dropped off yesterday. I brought about 9, 30 gallon bags to St Vincent's in Dayton. This is a homeless shelter, for families, single women, and women with children. Since the economy tanked, they have seen their numbers increase by 60%. It is a full service shelter with 3 meals a day-though rules are plentiful to make this operation work.
When clients come in, whatever things they bring are put in plastic "totes" and kept in one central room. They can check out their belongings at any time, however, sleeping quarters are completely empty with the exception of beds. They don't want things "walking away" and it is easier to monitor whose is what with this system. Inside the sleeping area, are tons and tons of twin beds-which are filled to capacity every night. (Think 100 or so, clustered in little groups of 2-3 for families or mothers with children.) The only personal items I saw were a few teddy bears on some of the beds for children.
Impressive, heart-breaking and humbling all at once- this shelter leaves no doubt how real the need is, and yet also, how generous individuals are to support a shelter of this magnitude. Thank you again to everyone who helped support "Jammies for Junior." Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
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