The following is a list of ongoing and past projects that I have created or that I support.
My Upbringing
Before I was admitted into kindergarten, my mother would take me with her to volunteer in food pantries and to take food to the elderly and shut-ins through the program, Meals on Wheels.In grade school, I participated in cooking for the homeless, delivering supplies, volunteering at the battered women's shelter, among other projects, mostly through the churches we attended.
My senior year of high school was spent on a Senior Exit Essay Project, based on the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey.
In college, I single handedly ended the reign of corruption at the campus radio station, and was tasked with helping institute new student leaders, as well as a new advisor. The former were committing fraud, embezzling funds, sexually harassing female DJs, stealing from community businesses, and running a station without an active license. In the college of business, I uncovered an unaccredited degree, with the help of my advisor (RIP), in a department that was run by professors who had plagiarized journals and other publications and were telling students they were graduating with a sales degree that didn't actually exist. On another occasion, I found unfinished code in a program, the career center created, that kept more than 4 years' worth of seniors from setting up interviews before graduation.
I have always been committed to helping others and standing up for the little guy.
Former Projects
Project-Santa.com
Project-Santa.com was created as a labor of love that was started in 2011. Pinky was adopted in 2009 from Blue Ridge Humane Society in Edneyville, NC and after 2 years, I wanted to show the shelter how much I appreciated her. I created a donation drive that collects for BRHS and an additional rescue or shelter each year. We've (myself and volunteers) maintained between 10 and 20 donation locations each winter and have conducted other programs throughout the year such as building dog cots and cat shelters, making dog toys and treats, and hosting adoption fairs.
The donations in recent years have gone down, so I made the decision to end the winter drive and stick solely with businesses that are willing to host bins year-round. We were running pickups from 4 bins being hosted: Pet Source (Flat Rock/Hendersonville area), Etowah Valley Veterinary Hospital (Etowah, NC), You Work I'll Play (lower level of REACH Hospital in Asheville, NC), Blue Ridge Pets (Swannanoa/Black Mountain area).
Due to COVID 19 lockdowns in March 2020, this project ended. We were unable to collect from businesses that no longer had clientele visiting their locations. A big thanks to those who were loyal to us for so many years. In addition to this, Pinky, the reason and inspiration for this whole project having happened, passed away in April of 2021.
Ongoing Projects
Homeless Care Packages
Originally seen on Kay's Corner, this idea has inspired me to create my own since I already pass out food and blankets to the homeless in Upstate SC. I have now been passing out HCP for over 5 years. I gladly accept donations. The bags are currently handed out in SC and NC. I feel this is a much better use of our resources than donating directly to a brick and mortar charity where most of the monetary donations go to operating costs and salaries. I've also gone from being the middle man (at Project Santa) to cutting out the middle man altogether. In other words I deliver directly to the homeless whatever is given to me or that I purchase. Thankfully, annually, my mother collects toiletries for this project from friends and neighbors. I am always in need of non-perishable foods (pop tarts, candy bars - chocolate specifically, gum, beef jerky, chips, etc. Chocolate may be an odd request, but chocolate can act both as an acid reducer and can be used to warm the body. I am also willing to give HC packages to those who donate so that they have bags to give out in their travels. "Aurum Nostrum Non Est Aurum Vulgi".
Suggestions Welcome
Project-Santa ended when COVID 19 lockdowns started in March 2020. I am interested in starting another collections project or loaning the bins out (no charge) to organizations who wish to use them. We were gracious enough to have a local business donate these barrels, when we started and I have no intent of letting them go to waste. If you know of a use, please let me know. Note: I will not loan them to any group that forces their beliefs on others (religious, political, etc). I'm looking for selfless organizations or individuals. Thanks.
Helping Homeless Teens
Only Hope WNC (I did NOT create this organization) is a wonderful organization that is run and founded by Michael Absher. Taken directly from their site in 2020, "Only Hope WNC is currently an organized 501c3 Non- Profit Organization program to aid the close to 300 homeless students in Henderson County. For the past 6 years we have helped 1,800+ youth." I encourage you to help this organization, especially if you live in my neck of the woods. Call me a jerk if you want, but it pisses me off when I see Toys for Toys and Layaway Payoffs in the winter, when we have a situation like this that receives little to no attention. Their current needs are "Gas Cards, Feminine Products, School Supplies, Body Wash/Soap, Backpacks, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Air Mattresses, Deodorant, Non perishable Food".