Here’s a snapshot of the homeless shelter located just north of Downtown Las Vegas. I took it at 10:15 pm last night. It’s a giant open-air refuge for people who are struggling.
This photo shows only about a third of the population that’s being sheltered on any given night. It’s actually much larger. Moreover, many homeless people here in las Vegas and elsewhere remain in the streets and don’t come into the facility. To say homelessness is a problem would be a grotesque understatement.
There are people, and then there are angels. Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Barbara Jones recently posted on Facebook and asked for volunteers to assist with providing hot meals, something they themselves have selflessly done for many years each and every Monday night. But that’s not all. While most of us unwrap presents every Christmas morning, Linda, Jan, Barbara and many others show up those cold mornings at 6 am at the shelter and help to serve food. If that’s not human compassion, then I don’t know what is.
They are founders of PokerGives.org, a 501c3 charity. All donations are used for the needy. Please take a moment to visit and join PokerGives.org. You can also learn more about C.A.R.E., which is a hands-on organization. Both non-profits are helping people in need made up entirely of volunteers. They always need food. And donations. And blankets. And clothes. NOTHING gets wasted.
Last night, I was privileged to join PokerGives.org as a volunteer from 7-10 pm. First time in my life I served 350 cups of coffee. I would like to ponder these observations and share what I learned. But, later. Now, I need more time to reflect. It was a profoundly moving experience. I urge EVERYONE to volunteer, even just once. You will benefit from the experience, as much as those in need.
Indeed, we all have “needs.” They just happen to be different for each person. And taking care of each other is always a need and human compassion has no higher calling.