Hi everyone! I have a birthday wish, and a short story to share.

Let’s start with the story first.

Back when I was living out in California, I witnessed the housing crisis in our country in a way that I never have before — seeing so many people struggling and without the basics to live life — without access to shelter, clean water, food, blankets, clean clothes, etc. On a regular basis and daily commutes I became accustomed to passing people struggling like this.

After recognizing how regularly I crossed paths with these individuals, I realized I had an opportunity to help and decided I would keep my car stocked with water bottles and granola bars, so that any time I passed I had something to offer (if I did not have a little bit of cash to spare). Having those items stocked in my car became my norm.

Since leaving the San Francisco Bay Area and returning home to the East Coast, I find myself again crossing paths with these individuals while traveling in and out of Philadelphia (as I often do). Most recently, I was driving out of the city and passed a young man at the intersection I always drive through on my way home. Almost every time I leave the city, I see someone at this intersection. I made eye contact with him and he looked ashamed to be standing there so vulnerable, looking downward while he glanced back. My heart broke again — assuming he must be used to being ignored.

For my birthday coming up, I wish to have more than granola bars and water to hand out the next few times I go through that intersection or cross paths with someone in desperate need. With the seasons quickly changing and winter around the corner, I thought there was no better time than now to start asking for a donation — any amount helps.

All of the money raised will be used to make bags of essential items for those in need, that I will go out myself to find and make. Bags will include items such as new warm socks/hats, new underwear, non perishable foods, water, hygiene products, chargers, and anything else I can affordably get my hands on — doing so strategically, to get the most out of it without sacrificing quality.

I am expecting each bag to cost around $30 each. My goal is to make 10 bags, and help at least 10 people in my path.

Whether you can afford a small $5 donation or $30 to cover a whole bag, your contribution will go toward making a difference for someone in our very own city.

Let’s take care of a few people this fall/winter season.

Thank you to all who consider donating and helping me help others. I’m really excited to make a small difference