I like to run the shower and laundry list at the center. Maybe it’s my inner camp counselor or my understimulated maternal instincts that likes making sure each kid who signed up for a shower or laundry is well taken care of, and that it’s done in a timely and efficient manner.
We give them fresh hygiene packs and clean new cloths when they take a shower, and I love seeing them emerge from the bathroom smelling sweetly. They have clean teenage skin, and shiny hair and bright white shirts, they remind me of dandilion’s after a long rain.
Ricardo was first to go last week, and as I was putting together his shower bag, I realized we had no new underwear. The bin was empty. We didn’t have any lotion or shampoo either. “Um, Ricardo, unfortuanently, we just don’t have underwear or shampoo, you’ll just have to make due with what we have.” I handed him bar soap and a wash rag. I did manage to find a nice long sleeve shirt and some new jeans, and even though I could tell he was disappointed in our lack of underwear, he said “You know, I really appreciate everything you give me. I know I don’t say it enough.” “We like giving it to you, and I really wish we had some boxers, man, I’m sorry.”
I can’t handle the idea of Ricardo and Egor and all our other boys sleeping out in neverending spring rains, waking up with damp underwear and soaking socks. So I wrote an email to all my good girlfriends when I got home. If they go to Target this week, would they consider buying a pack of boxers, some socks and large sized bras for our girls? We are desperate. And if they are feeling really generous, we are in grave need of people to serve meals to our kids, our resources are running out and it’s only a two hour committment.
They responded and acted immediately, and before the weekend was over I had undershirts, underwear, socks, bras, hygiene products and serious interest in the meal service. I can’t thank them or the dozens of people who donate enough. We could not operate without a solid support system.
But more so, I realized that all you need to do is ask—people will act. It’s easy to think we live in a greedy, self-obsessed culture. But I’ve seen something very different. I see a reliable group of people who genuinely care about others, and have the bravery and generosity it takes to help. And to borrow the words of my good friend Ricardo, ”You know, I really appreciate everything you give me. I know I don’t say it enough.”
