At work, we are saving size 10 cans. These cans are ubiquitous in the professional kitchen but I never gave them any further thought other than their contents. Until today. Why are we cleaning out and saving these big cans? Well, it's a sad story.
You see, these simple cans become a heater for the homeless. If placed in a car with a candle burning within, it provides enough heat to keep a family just warm enough through a night of living in their car. A lone candle does not emit enough fumes to be dangerous and these large and stable cans don't readily fall over. Even so, it was a sobering vision.
Apparently, the numbers of families residing in their cars is increasing rapidly in my area. It doesn't take much to throw a family off kilter and into a downward circumstantial spiral resulting in homelessness.
On December 3rd, we are hosting a large fundraising event at the warehouse where I work. It will include scrumptious catered food (some of which will be prepared by me!) and live music. The profits and requested blankets will go to one of the local non-profits that assist the homeless. If you're a local to me, please let me know if you'd like more information about this fundraiser and/or tickets to the event.
