So how did this all begin?
During the snowstorm this winter, we knew the shelters were full and people were in great jeopardy living on the streets. It was all over the news. Lincoln, my son who is 6 years old, said "Mommy, we have a kitchen, we should make all of the hungry people food. We have to do something. We have food, and so should they."
He sparked an idea for me. I immediately went into my closet and started pulling items out while Lincoln went into his room and started pulling all his toys into the hallway. Even after I mentioned those were toys he was still playing with, he said he didn't care. He knew someone needed them more.
How did you tell people about the donation opportunity?
I reached out to my family, friends and work colleagues. I also reached out to Lincoln’s school leadership, at Bradfield Elementary, who then reached out to their networks. This was an incredible team effort, and everyone played a big role. The news spread so fast that we soon found ourselves with 1,000 bags of clothes!
1,000 bags is a lot! How did you collect all of this?
I drove all over Dallas picking up large garbage bags and many people dropped their bags off at my home. We wanted to get the donations to Genesis as fast as possible.
What was it like bringing these items to the shelter?
We brought all the donations to the resale store, where you can drop off things for the shelter. It was chaotic when we arrived. There were people everywhere trying to stay warm because the weather was still bad, and the roads were unsafe.
The employees were speechless when they opened the back of the U-Haul truck. They had to call several workers to help come and unload because there were so many bags.
Lincoln sparked an incredible event. What did he learn from this experience?
Since Lincoln was a baby, I would take our clothes and household items to Dallas shelters and churches for donation. As he got older, I would bring him with me and explain what I was doing and the "why" behind it so that now, he has an understanding that not everyone is as fortunate as others. He is starting to grasp that it is our human responsibility to help others.
How has charity work impacted your life?
Giving back to my community is so important to me. I grew up with a single mom because my dad passed before I was born. My mom worked full time as a nurse but at times, I watched our sweet family struggle greatly. I determined as an adult, if I could lighten someone else's load, I had to do it.
Now, I am an active board member for Park Cities Learning Differences Association (PCLDA) and on the Auxiliary Board for the Family Place Shelter. Both charities are what I feel to be grassroots organizations that truly move the needle in our community.