We honor those who have lost their life to substance use. For the past several years, my family & friends have partnered with me in an annual Christmas project benefiting area homeless. Then, on 2/6/11, my oldest son died as the result of an accidental Oxy overdose. In my grief, I met my friend Susan, who lost her good friend Kelly as the result of an accidental overdose. Both Levi & Kelly were br
ight, loving, and hardworking people who lost their battle to addiction. It was during this time, we decided to help educate the community about addiction and love on as many people in need as we could. We have taken our annual project to a new level. For the past few years with me in Northern Cali and Susan is Southern Cali, we began getting the word out that we needed donations of backpacks, sleeping bags, food, and any other items we could fit in to a backpack. We received so much! It was a huge blessing. Susan mailed all of her donations to me in Sacramento! Then we decided that we wanted the memory of others who have died as a result of addiction to be carried on and remembered. We have 'In Loving Memory' patches embroidered with the name, date of birth & death of others who have lost their battle with addiction and they are then sewn on a backpack and/or sleeping bag. Many of those names have come from family and friends that I have met through my online grief group; Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP). The weekend before Christmas, any person (adults & kids participate) who wants to volunteer comes over to my house, I cook dinner and then we sort, gift wrap items and bake goodies. We stuff the backpacks full and prepare for Christmas morning. On Christmas morning at 7:30, everyone arrives at my house, we fill the cars and trucks with the sleeping bags and backpacks and then we caravan to downtown Sacramento (an area known for a high population of individuals in need). Those receiving will line up and go from vehicle to vehicle to receive their blessing and they hear a brief story about the person whose name appears on the In Loving Memory Patch. As well, we listen to their stories. Last year, we gifted 316 backpacks & 264 sleeping bags that were stuffed to the brim! Sadly, we ran out before the need ran out. This year, though our goal may be lofty, we are seeking to reach 500/500 packs, bags, hat, socks, gloves, and scarves! I'll admit, I dream of gifting even more! And I have started purchasing backpacks at thrift stores but help is needed. If this cause is one that you can wrap your heart and mind around, please donate! Please know that I pay it forward wherever possible. We are also adopting 36 underprivledged children and gifting them backpacks filled with goodies and essential items along with a handmade fleece blanket
Thank you so much for your consideration. If you or someone you knows struggles with addiction, please contact your local or state public health department and demand help!!! Please, be the advocate. I have never known one person who woke up and said, today I want to be an addict.
