Last Christmas, my friends and I had the chance to visit a local homeless and runaway youth shelter. They provide temporary shelter, food, and clothing for young people who have been abandoned or forced out of the homes because drug, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. They provide a temporary home for these students and help do whatever is necessary to get them 'back on their feet' again. I spent the day listening to stories of young people who were often victims of issues not their own. One girl was only 14 years old and her parents dropped her off...the week of Christmas...with no intention of returning to pick her up. When I asked her, "Why did they drop you off?," she just shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. My heart broke for these young people. This home was a 15 minute drive from my church doors...and I never even knew it existed. I knew I had to do something.

I'm not sure about your city, but my hometown is definitely under-resourced when it comes to providing for these young people. When we spoke with some of the staff of the home, we found out that this was one of the only teen homeless shelters in our area and that they are only able to house 13 young people at any one time. They were desperate for the 'essentials.' They needed finances in order to pay the necessary expenses to keep the place running & food and clothing to provide for the basic needs of the young people. I knew that if people were aware of the good things that were happening in this home that they would get on board and be a part of rescuing these young people! SO...we are putting together 'Swap Till You Drop.'

'Swap Till You Drop' is an event where women can come and do some second-hand shopping, enjoy some food and live entertainment, spend some time with the girls, and make a difference in our community! We are going to set up our entire facility like a giant thrift store and sell gently used, donated second-hand clothing for an extremely reasonable cost. All proceeds from the clothes, all remaining clothes, and all proceeds from a $5 cover-charge will be given to this home that is making such a difference in our area! And maybe...just maybe...as we are the church that they may never walk through the doors of...and as we put in a little bit of our time and creativity... we'll be able to show these young people Jesus and help them to have a merry Christmas. Just maybe. :-)

December 6th, 2009

I totally dig it. I'll be there!!! and I Have clothes to donate -
Paula

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have you ever heard of swapbot? I started a snail mail on letters with love and encouragement to people we don´t know! Look for "love, love, love" on DO ideas!!! Let´s spread the love around the world!!!

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I not able to be there..but you know what?? I just feel absolutely inspired to do the same in my church.Why not? Even in the same day 06/12...how cool is to think that even if we don´t know each other, there is a sista in Brazil who was ispired for your initiative and now are doing the same. love it.xx

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