Simple As Socks
Aug 25, 2017 · 5 min read

When I Was 6 I Lost My Mom In The Supermarket

I’m not going to talk about individual donations this round. In my bag are pads, crackers, toiletries, but that’ll be for next time.

There were 2 major packets drives and I wanted to tell you those were accomplished.

Bluestockings Bookstore on Allen street received a box of 10 menstrual packets-each containing enough pads for a week, wipes, Midol, and what I was most happy about, a menstrual cup. They will be free for people to take. People should not have have to compromise their hygiene, health, even swap food stamps, for menstrual products.

The packets to the 2 dozen undocumented men living on the street, their packets also delivered! I found them when the weather got warmer so I have reserved the Mylar blankets & hand warmers for packets to give out this winter. In their packets contained the rain jackets, hand sanitizer, socks, & tea.

Latest info from the Kensington Family Shelter:

Back-to-School Event

Volunteers of America will provide backpacks and school supplies for all the school-age children who live at The Kensington. Therefore, this donation drive will focus on their parents, who are also heading back to school, back to work, or entering training programs.

The shelter staff is hosting a Back to School, Back to Work Fashion Show on September 9th, and will recognize those parents who are starting jobs, school, or training programs. These items will be gathered into care packages for the adults. Please consider donating anything from this list, and please be sure it arrives by Wednesday, September 6 (address below).

· Single-ride MetroCards (no one wants to miss work or class because they don’t have the cash for the train — these cost $3 and are available only at vending machines)

· Small notebooks

· Packages of pens and pencils

· Breath mints

· Pocket packages of Kleenex

· Pocket-size hand sanitizers

· Small umbrellas

In addition, career wear for women and men are needed. Any very gently used, office-appropriate clothing is welcome. Please package neatly and label the contents (ie, 2 men’s suits {size 42 long} and 3 ties; 3 women’s blouses, size 12; etc)

Additional Donation Needs

Due to storage constraints exacerbated by your generosity, shelter staff have asked that ONLY THESE ITEMS in new/unopened condition be donated at this time:

Baby Items

Baby Soap

Baby Lotion

Baby Conditioner

Baby Bottles

Pacifiers

Socks

Adult hygiene

(full or travel size welcome; supplies needed for women and men)

Deodorant

Lotion

Shampoo

Conditioner

Toothpaste

Toothbrushes

Razors

Soap/body wash

All items can be dropped off any day before 8:00 pm at the shelter (They are open 8–8), Attn: Uniquia Parker or mailed to the Kensington Family Shelter, 385 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn 11218

To get on the mailing list: givemeshelterbk@gmail.com

Controversial Story: Using prisoners to clean up homeless camps. Some were their camps at one point. Some belong to their friends.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/09/portland-homelessless-camps-inmate-clean-up?CMP=share_btn_fb

The 1st debate for democrat mayoral candidates occurred 8/23. In this video at the 16.18 mark de Blasio and Albanese start to discuss homelessness

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1348793348552860&id=599080613524141

Bag store, Timbuk2 at 325 Lafayette street- if you have a Timbuk2 bag you no longer want, you may bring it in & it will be donated to someone & you will receive 20% off a new bag

I know there is ever pressing sadness in the world right now. I see friends posting over and over about the pangs in the world. I sometimes feel badly that I do not post enough about that. I’m often torn on is continuing to work the way I am enough or do I need more political direct action in my life. I compete with myself mostly. I guess I just relate & respond to what gets me. I feel the urge towards someone & I just go for it. Don’t get me wrong. I get hesitant and crippling self doubt. A little lesson on this kind of work-trying to judge if a woman if of the age she needs need menstrual products is a stress! It’s that same subway etiquette (Is she pregnant? Not pregnant??) but I digress.

When I was 6 I lost my mom in the supermarket. A Brooklyn supermarket so not that large. But huge to a six year old. I didn’t cry or scream. I didn’t go to a counter with tears and say I lost my mom. I went up to a woman who was probably in her early 20s, which to me was a bonafide adult, tugged on her, said, “I lost my mom. Can you be my new mom?” So I guess seeing a situation & trying to rectify it calmly is my general way of doing things (that or I’m just one stone cold 6 year old!)

I like to treat any problem that gets me as if it was outside my front door. Because it is.

It’s ok to feel good about these things. The whole, there is no selfless good deed, that can get tossed aside. This is how you should make connections. It makes you want to be done with a graceless spirit. It makes way for more ideas in other people. It is the essence of thrive.

Packets for undocumented men living on the street

I can’t show you photos of them but, home sweet home 💔

Home sweet home 2😔

Menstrual products packets

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Simple As Socks

Written by

This platform will be showcasing a project I have embarked on titled Simple As Socks. It is the collection & distribution of socks amongst homeless people.

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