Tweet
I saw today what might have been the best-dressed homeless man in Boston.
As he stood huddled outside Souper Salad, he was obviously a "vagrant", for lack of a better word, based upon his general appearance and demeanor....except for one thing.....the rather stunning mink stole wrapped around his shoulders. He wore it as proudly as someone who seemed to have otherwise lost any feeling of dignity long ago could.
I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but think that someone had been rather generous when giving to charity.
And then I thought of my boss. Unlike his partner, he is far from the "little Jewish accountant" stereotype. 6'4", strolling into the office in khakis and golf sweaters, he has the aura of someone who grew up privledged.
As I was ready to leave the office one evening, I noticed a coat sticking out of the trash barrel. Being nosey, I pulled it out. It was a nice coat, camel colored wool, complete with scarf. Underneath that was another coat, a puffy jacket with a B.U. logo, waterproof with hood.
I mentioned to Julian that he might want to put the coats somewhere else so they didn't go out with the trash by mistake. He said, "oh, I threw those out. They've been in the storage room for years. I was going to give them to someone unfortunate - but I didn't know anybody."
We have a least three shelters within walking distance of the office. All you have to do is walk outside the office after 8pm to see people huddled in doorways, trying to find a decent camp for the night. With weather hitting all kinds of bad records this year, you'd think you could find "someone unfortunate" if you gave it some thought.
/sigh
It is a very tight economy. We cannot always afford to give money. I never give money to the homeless, but I try to give clothes and blankets to the organizations who help them - and money when I am able. Some shelters just ask for toiletries - if you buy shampoo on sale, pick up an extra and drop it off. Painless. Some utility bills come with a request to add $1 to your bill to help those having trouble making their heat payments. Giving doesn't have to be a big thing, but it is an important thing. Sometimes all it takes is looking around to see what you can do.
As he stood huddled outside Souper Salad, he was obviously a "vagrant", for lack of a better word, based upon his general appearance and demeanor....except for one thing.....the rather stunning mink stole wrapped around his shoulders. He wore it as proudly as someone who seemed to have otherwise lost any feeling of dignity long ago could.
I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but think that someone had been rather generous when giving to charity.
And then I thought of my boss. Unlike his partner, he is far from the "little Jewish accountant" stereotype. 6'4", strolling into the office in khakis and golf sweaters, he has the aura of someone who grew up privledged.
As I was ready to leave the office one evening, I noticed a coat sticking out of the trash barrel. Being nosey, I pulled it out. It was a nice coat, camel colored wool, complete with scarf. Underneath that was another coat, a puffy jacket with a B.U. logo, waterproof with hood.
I mentioned to Julian that he might want to put the coats somewhere else so they didn't go out with the trash by mistake. He said, "oh, I threw those out. They've been in the storage room for years. I was going to give them to someone unfortunate - but I didn't know anybody."
We have a least three shelters within walking distance of the office. All you have to do is walk outside the office after 8pm to see people huddled in doorways, trying to find a decent camp for the night. With weather hitting all kinds of bad records this year, you'd think you could find "someone unfortunate" if you gave it some thought.
/sigh
It is a very tight economy. We cannot always afford to give money. I never give money to the homeless, but I try to give clothes and blankets to the organizations who help them - and money when I am able. Some shelters just ask for toiletries - if you buy shampoo on sale, pick up an extra and drop it off. Painless. Some utility bills come with a request to add $1 to your bill to help those having trouble making their heat payments. Giving doesn't have to be a big thing, but it is an important thing. Sometimes all it takes is looking around to see what you can do.
. Retired
Comment