Out, cold.

Bret Callentine · Post by **Bret Callentine** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:44 am

In case you missed the article in the last issue, this Saturday dozens of Lakewood youth will once again be taking to the street for the 4th annual Homeless Awareness Sleepout.

If you are out and about, we would appreciate any donations. In addition to any money, we are also asking for blankets, toiletries, shoes, bags, and even housewares. All donations to go directly to help the homeless (we're working with a group called Covering Cleveland as well as the shelter at 2100 Lakeside).

The three churches participating this year are Lakewood Congregational Church and Saint Peters Church (both on the corner of Detroit and West Clifton) and Pilgrim Saint Paul (on the corner of Detroit and Manor Park). I'm not sure what the schedules are for the first two, but I will be working with the group at Pilgrim Saint Paul and we will be outside from 4:00pm Saturday until Sunday morning.

Thanks in advance for your support and donations

Ruthie Koenigsmark · Post by **Ruthie Koenigsmark** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:44 am

THIS IS WONDERFUL! I will send this message to everyone on my email list-with a challenge to drop off a least a bag or $20 to my place by tomorrow afternoon -first stop Boy Scout Troop 211! Goal $150 dollars and 5 bags of goodies!

Who else out there is already participating or has a grand scheme to top my challenge!

Excellent job to all involved!

R

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:41 pm

OK I can't beat that but I have a ton of very good men's sweaters, many never worn with tags I will bring by after waitressing! With a few of my tips and could you use any pizza Bret? Awesome job by the way!

Bret Callentine · Post by **Bret Callentine** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:03 pm

we'll take all the sweaters you've got. But as for pizza, the kids and I are trying to avoid donations for us, however, if you've got a lot of pizza, I've got the number of the shelter and they said they'll come by to pick it up.

It will be a long day and night, so even if you just drive by wave and offer a smile, we'll take that too.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:12 am

Bret Callentine wrote:we'll take all the sweaters you've got. But as for pizza, the kids and I are trying to avoid donations for us, however, if you've got a lot of pizza, I've got the number of the shelter and they said they'll come by to pick it up.

It will be a long day and night, so even if you just drive by wave and offer a smile, we'll take that too.

I have a bunch of pizza,

Instead of saying donation, let's say you would be helping me out.

Off carbs for awhile.

.

Ruthie Koenigsmark · Post by **Ruthie Koenigsmark** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:40 pm

Just got back from dropping off my donations w/my son, Jerry--Wow! How impressive and inspirational--kids are just the greatest--so open with so much hope! This is such a positive! If you have time yet tonight or early tomorrow--drive by one of the churches that Bret mentions--or better yet stop by w/a donation : )

R

Stan Austin · Post by **Stan Austin** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:02 am

Dateline: 4:40 AM Sunday morning----

Outside of St. Peter's Church a couple of committed young women and a mom who was helping out were stoking the fire in front of the church.

I'm sure the same was true of the other two locations.

After a brief chat, I moved on and thought about these impressive kids and how it might translate into action for the rest of us.

My conclusion---- we have a Primary in Ohio in March where it now appears that we will have a decisive say in the nominees of both party's presidential candidates.

Let's take the commitment shown by these young folks and first of all, vote.

But also, lets apply to the candidates the same criteria of caring and compassion that the kids are showing.

Then let's vote.

Stan Austin

Ruthie Koenigsmark · Post by **Ruthie Koenigsmark** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:10 am

Well said, Stan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:51 pm

I ended u staying the night in N. Royalton and was hoping they were still outside this morning when I got back and they were!! All outside and holding up signs and and approaching cars with their bucket!! I really was overwhelmed with their commitment and more impressed than I can say!

Between the love and devotion I saw at the fund raiser and the love and devotion displayed with our youth, I am grateful and humbled to witness their light in this cold era.