Warmth for the homeless
January 5, 2010 · 5:19 PM
I just wanted to drop you a note about your recent article on the local homeless folks. Shortly after you published it, we had several people come into our office. They brought in nearly a dozen sleeping bags and handwarmers for us to pass out to the homeless. These weren’t cheap sleeping bags — they were high quality, below-zero-rated bags.
One of the bags went to Thomas Mackenzie, the person in the photo you published. I found him a few days later, sleeping in the bag. It was very cold and wet, but Thomas said that he was toasty in the bag, praising the people that donated it, recognizing the quality of the bag he received. He said it was the best bag he has ever had.
I found another surprise regarding these people. So far, three of the homeless who I offered the bags to declined to take them. Although they were homeless, each of these people told me that they were doing fine as of now and that we should save the bags for someone who needs them. I was very impressed with their attitudes — taking only what they need rather than anything they can, sharing with those that would benefit from them. Wow!
It was your article that triggered these donations. Making changes in the community — isn’t that one step toward a Pulitzer?
Mark Toner, North Bend
Police Chief
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