Many people in America mark the Martin Luther King Day holiday by making it a day of service – painting schools, cleaning parks and helping the homeless. But, volunteers for a group called The Giving Spirit work throughout the year in Los Angeles personally distributing survival kits to people living on the streets.
“There is so much in this bag,” one recipient told a volunteer. “Everything on my list that I prayed for is in here! How did you know exactly what we need?”
Ezzie Richey, a 57-year-old homeless veteran was one of those who was given a duffel bag containing over 60 items, like food, blankets, clothing and toiletries. He not only was grateful for the bag, but for the love and hope that came with it. The moment so influenced his life that he is now off the streets and employed.
The Giving Spirit, founded in 1999, is always looking for in-kind donations of items to include in their kits. Check the list on their website to see what items you or your company might provide to help the effort.
The LA Times caught up with Ezzie and featured his story in a video and feature article.
(WATCH the video below and READ the story from the LA Times)
Story tip from Jacqueline McLean – Jones