Baskets of Life

Today's posting will be on a lighter side. You may have seen me mention the monthly charity program I am involved with, Baskets of Life. This program was started by my friend Chris nearly seven years ago. As a Christian women, she wanted to combine the need people may have to find the word of Christ, along with a need for personal items - creating the name, Baskets of Life. Once a month, the doors are opened for anyone to come and be able to listen to a non-denominational Christian message (music, a play, bible story, motivational speaker,etc), and then choose a basket they need. I have taken some pictures:

Here is the table we fill the baskets from. This is part of our inventory of personal hygiene items. The baskets are filled with taxable items that cant be purchased with food stamps, and are not available at a food pantry. But we all have a need for these items.
This is a partial shot of the Baskets. You will see that the "baskets" are a container that can be of future use. Men get a wastebasket (black/white to the left), and women often get a tote or carrier of some kind (yellow on the right).
In the personal baskets, there is hair product, brush, nail trimmer, soap, shaving items, deodorants, toothpaste/brush, lotion, and new attendees get a bible.
One option folks can choose is a laundry basket. Theses baskets include detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover/cleaner, toilet paper, and new baskets get a bible. The brown bags to the right are the refills.For returning visitors, there are basic item refills available. Most visitors are underprivileged, however, the economy has increased those in need. There are also two half-way houses that permit guests to attend.
Working in this program, has made me more grateful for my fortunate life, and sympathetic to different life situations. I take care of the shopping (with my helper, Mom), inventory, and basket assembly. I am also there with Chris, and a couple other ladies, who come to help hand out the baskets. There has been 30-70 people on any given month. Most amazing to me, is that Baskets of Life is not supported or underwritten by any large group or organization. Chris just gets donations and gifts from friends, associates, and anonymous donors. Although the cupboards have been nearly bare, on more than one occasion, we are always blessed with enough to provide for yet another month. Yes, truly blessed.