The 10/20 Project

For all of you who share in the The 10/20 Project on a regular basis, or know Ron or I personally, you’ve undoubtedly heard us mention our friend, Rickey.  As with many of you, Rickey has been a great supporter of The 10/20 Project.  The difference is that Rickey has also been a recipient of the services of The 10/20 Project.   Rickey loves to read and he loves to write.  I asked him yesterday if he’d consider writing something we could post on the website.  Something about his experience with The 10/20 Project.

Although Ron and I are mentioned, I want to be clear that this letter is not about Ron and I.  This letter is about anyone who has contributed and supported The 10/20 Project.   I share with you these treasured words:

“My name is Rickey and I am simply writing to say thanks to Ron and Karin and to all of those who have contributed to The 10/20 Project.  As a homeless person, your care for people and caring about people has encouraged me and given me strength.  I no longer feel that all is lost.  I feel as though there is a whole new world out there and it is simply time for me to start a new beginning.  The 10/20 Project has given me a new outlook on life, but they have also given me basic needs to maintain my personal hygiene, take care of my cleanliness and wash my clothes.  To all of the people with The 10/20 Project thank you for your love and support.”  -R.W.W.

The Blind Side has a scene where Sandra Bullock is out lunching with some of her girlfriends.  One of them says, “You’re changing that boy’s life.”  To which Sandra replies, “No, he is changing mine.”   Well, Rickey, you have changed mine.   As a wise man recently said to me, “It is never about us.  It is always about our service to others.”  Your service, your support, your contributions have made a difference in the life of Rickey and countless others.

A couple of weeks ago, on a hot summer day, Ron and I went to distribute water to those on the street.  We asked our homeless friend, Rickey if he’d like to go with us.  We loaded a large ice chest with a couple of cases of water and headed to a downtown laundry mat to pick up our friend.

The sun was hot, the air was humid.  A typical August day in Arkansas, only it wasn’t August it was June.  The heat index was over 100 degrees and it was only noon.  We picked up Rickey and started off on our afternoon journey.   The first woman we saw captivated my attention.  We’ve all seen the scene.  We’ve seen it in movies.  We’ve seen it on tv.  We’ve seen it first-hand.   It is the picture that comes to mind when we think of someone homeless.   A woman was looking through a trashcan, presumably for food.  I know this happens everyday.  We all know it.  We may choose not to see it or not to do anything about it or more often, we (or I at least) feel as though we cannot fix the situation.  We cannot begin to provide the magnitude of resources that one person needs.  But, as we approached her and she turned toward us, Rickey got out of the car and gently approached her.  He handed her a $10 bill and two bottles of water.  He was courteous to her.  She was appreciative.  I observed and felt a bit uncomfortable that I was riding around in an air conditioned toyota and she was looking through a public trashcan for food or whatever.   She smiled, waved, and said “God bless you.”  Rickey got in the car and our journey continued.

It is somewhat incomprehensible to me that in America we have people digging through trashcans.  The communication between Rickey and the woman was kind spirited and gentle.   I later commented to Ron that our world would be a better place if  we all treated one another with the gentleness and kindness displayed between Rickey and the woman.

The 10/20 Project is not a political or religious based organization.  We meet small, immediate needs of those in need.     On this 2010 Independence Day, I am reminded that although we are independent, we are dependent upon others.   The mission of  The 10/20 Project is not to change the world, but by meeting small, immediate needs we do make a positive difference in the lives of individuals.  Consider donating your time and talent somewhere this weekend.  Or, make a donation to The 10/20 Project.  Or, share a bottle of water with someone in need.  It isn’t about them, it is about you.  And when you share what you have it is a win-win for everyone.

Thanks to all who share in The 10/20 Project.

We’ve given our 10/20 project a new place to reside in cyberspace.  Welcome to our new home, come on in, browse around, and leave a donation at the door!

This new site is a coordination effort from individuals with a tapestry of talents.  They live all over the country and have caught the vision of the 10/20 project.  A very special thank you to Megan Weatherford who designed our new site.  Grab a cup of coffee and check out the talents of these generous individuals.

Web design- Megan Weatherford, Little Rock, AR.  http://meganweatherford.com/

Web hosting- George Joyce, Bridgeton, NJ.  http://www.joycemedia.com/

Logo design- Branden Sharp and Susan Norman, Fort Smith, AR

SEO and Social Media- Daniel Morrison, Deerfield Beach, FL

A wealth of resources and knowledge- Peter Stuckey, Little Rock, AR

Right now, your donations provide medication, assist with housing and transportation needs, employment needs, water for the homeless, and other small immediate needs.  Thanks for your support and come back and visit soon.

For those of you who have known us and traveled this journey with us, you might be surprised to know that it has been one year since Nikki and I began our quest for $10 bills for Ron’s birthday present.  (I’m SURE you all have June 15th circled on your calendar with the words “Ron’s Birthday” written in big red letters.)

Because of your support and encouragement we continued the spirit of $10/20 and were able to meet immediate needs, well…immediately.  When talking about our project I often tell people, “we receive so much more than we have ever given.” Your donations of coats kept people warm last winter.  Your donations of cash have bought clothing, paid small utility bills and “finished up” rent and mortgage payments,  bought life-saving medication, bottled water, and food.   Because of these small acts of kindness people have had appropriate clothing for job interviews, they’ve been able to keep their families in their homes, have received life-saving (yes, really) medications.  These are the things that are seen.   What you don’t see are the smiles of humanity as someone receives a warm coat or a bottle of water,  or the tears of gratitude when a young father knows his wife and small children will be able to meet the rent and not be in a shelter.  These are the real people who have had their lives impacted because of a small act of kindness.  The contributions you have made to $10/20 have probably been forgotten by you, but the gift of your generosity lingers in the spirit of the person who received it.

And now, you can deduct that small (or large) gift of kindness from your taxes.  Could it get any better?

The $10/20 Project is alive because of your support and encouragement.  We are here because you are here.   Sincerely, we thank you.

WOW –There are so many great things happening with The $10/20 Project but here is a quick run-down:

• We are officially a 501(c)(3) which means you will receive a tax-receipt for your donation.
• Our comfort (hygiene) kits have been well received.  We have received positive feedback and will continue to provide these kits and bottled water to those in need.
• We had our first board meeting meeting last night.  Our board members are excited about how people can take a small donation and make a big difference.  A special thanks to Ricky, our homeless friend.  He has agreed to serve on our board as a homeless liaison.
• We have a new website in development and we can’t wait to share it with you.  Hopefully we’ll be ready in the next couple of weeks.

Here is what we need:

• Toiletries for our comfort kits.  We need small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, small boxes of laundry detergent, and small tubes of toothpaste.  We are also collecting small cosmetic bags–the kind you receive as part of the “free gift.”  We are using these to make up comfort kits for women and children.
• Cash donations.  Cash donations will be used to purchase small combs, bug repellent, bottled water, wash-clothes, feminine products and items to finish out comfort kits.

Stay tuned…I’ll keep everyone posted.

For the past several weeks many have donated travel sized soap, shampoo, lotion, hair conditioner, and other small items to the $10/20 Project.    Our dentist generously donated toothbrushes and small tubes of toothpaste.  One of my colleagues at UALR suggested we include washcloths and/or hand towels.  One of the men who has been a recipient of your generosity and donations mentioned to Ron that people who are homeless need socks.  We will purchase socks this week and include a pair in each hygiene kit.

So, last Friday four of my co-workers, my niece, and I gathered during our lunch hour.  We sorted out all the donated items, set up an assembly line, and assembled our first hygiene kits.  And, it took the six of us 20 minutes to assemble the kits.  We loaded them into the car and they were ready to go.

Twenty minutes of our time will help meet some of the most basic needs (which so many of us take for granted) of individuals in need.

This afternoon Ron and I stocked his trunk with water and hygiene kits for those who live on the street, in shelters, or who have need.

Thanks to all who contributed:   Rob, Christy, Liz, Jamie, Zeb, Peter, Chris, Megan, Andrea, Gloria, and Carlia.

We’ll keep you posted!

Recently, I had the privilege of listening to Mr. Kevin Salwen and his daughter, Hanna at the Clinton School in Little Rock.  They are part of a cool family who sold their house, and invested the proceeds in the Hunger Project.  Kevin and Hanna co-authored a book entitled, “the Power of Half” which details the story of this family and their decision to give to others.  After their talk, they were signing books.   I introduced myself and told them about The $10/20 Project.  They both listened and seemed intrigued.  Mr. Salwen asked the question that many others ask, “So, what’s with the 20 minutes?”

The 20 minutes part of The $10/20 Project originally stemmed from a conversation Ron and I had one night while out to dinner with friends.  We were discussing the economy, and how a man had walked into his place of employment one morning and walked out 20 minutes later with all of his belongings in a box.  He had worked for the company for years, and his family depended on not only his income, but the insurance benefits.   How life can change significantly in just 20 short minutes.  The conversation continued, and we discussed the positive possibilities of what a person can DO in 20 minutes.  Just as $10 can meet an immediate need, 20 minutes can positively impact the life of an individual or group.

In the past 11 months, we’ve had many friends, family members, and readers tell us where or how they’ve contributed their talents and at least 20 minutes of time to make a positive contribution.   Here are just a few of the ‘20 minute’ contributions we’ve heard about:

• One Saturday morning, a woman brought coffee and tea to a local oncology waiting room for family members of their loved one who was receiving treatment.
• A nine-year old boy encouraged his family to clean out their closets and send us winter coats they no longer needed, so “someone else can be warm.”
• A woman organized and distributed information for one street in her neighborhood and collected money for the local March of Dimes.
• Faculty members from a Theatre Department from a University went to a local homeless shelter and taught the children residents various dance steps, dances, and puppet skits.
• One Mom cleans out baby clothes regularly now and donates them to a shelter for women and children.
• A father stopped on his way home from work to serve dinner at homeless shelter.
• One young couple collected greeting cards from their co-workers and sent over 200 card fronts to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital to be used in a summer camp for children.
• Many of you have sent us coats, monetary donations, travel-sized toiletry items for our hygiene kits, etc.

So, contribute 20 minutes (or more!) to someone who needs it today.  Your small donation of time makes a big difference to the person on the receiving end.  And if you’re so inclined, let us know where or how or to whom you contributed your time and talent.

The $10/20 Project is quickly finding its own niche.  As word of The $10/20 Project spreads, and as we develop the non-profit, Ron and I are both meeting and working with more people involved in various agencies and organizations.  We have met many people locally, and many through email, facebook, and our website.  It is exciting.  Almost like a  conduit for bridging gaps and meeting small, immediate needs.

Because of our mission and philosophy on meeting immediate needs, we were recently approached by a local agency to help meet the needs of a local homeless man.  James has a long history of homelessness and is scheduled to have surgery on his aorta valve in early May.  His condition was diagnosed earlier this year when he sought medical treatment for frostbite, and later gangrene on his foot.  He has been working with local agencies to ensure he has the proper identification, and can show that he has the resources necessary to care for himself both before and after the procedure.

Because of your donations, The $10/20 Project is able to contribute $100 to assist with his immediate needs.  Ron will work with City Connections and the LR Day Resource Center to ensure James has a positive plan for aftercare.

You continue to donate, and we continue to use your contributions to meet small, immediate needs.  We may not be changing the whole world, but we are helping individuals, one at a time.  Thank you for your contributions and your support.

Vacation is over.  Back to work tomorrow morning.  We talked a bit about our $10/20 Project during our few days off.  “Coat Season” is officially over and Ron doesn’t want to wait until fall to be out on the street helping people.   We discussed a few options for his “trunk inventory” for the hot weather and what would be beneficial to those living on the street.  We opted for bottled water and a ziplock package of toiletries.

One of the men Ron knows, who lives on the street,  commented to Ron one day, that he needed to get some laundry done.  We talked about the special challenges people have who live on the street regarding hygiene and cleanliness issues.  Ron was impressed that this gentleman has pride in his appearance and cares about having clean clothes.  Fast forward a few days to a conversation I had with one of our $10/20 Project supporters about this challenge.  She suggested that people who travel could pick up the shampoo, soap, and other toiletries from the hotel room and donate them to The $10/20 Project.  “People could even send in $10 donations and designate it to be used to purchase sample/travel sizes of these items, and we could put them in ziplock bags and Ron could keep them in his trunk.”  They easily fit into someones bag or bedroll, and are not valuable enough that people would be endangered by carrying them.”  Great idea.

So, here is what we need:

• donations of travel or sample size toiletry items:  bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrush, etc.
• cash donations-you can donate right on the website and we’ll purchase supplies or bottled water

If you have any suggestions or thoughts, please leave us a comment.  If you want to know where to send your toiletry items, please drop me an email at tenandtwenty@gmail.com.  We do everything at home and I don’t want to post our address on the web.

Thanks for your help!

Our thinking has always been that a small donation of time or money can make a big difference in an individual life or the life of a family.  Yesterday, we had someone tell us he is making  a $10 monthly donation to The $10/20 Project.  Thank you to our newest friend and supporter.  Your $10 donation each month will help someone who has an immediate need for food, shelter, clothing, or medication.  Your $10 monthly donation will make a big difference in the life of The $10/20 Project.  Thank you, and welcome.

Because of your generosity and support, what started as a gift (you can read more about that on the ‘about’ page) has turned into “our $10/20 project.”  The $10/20 Project meets small needs on a daily basis.  Sometimes, the world becomes overwhelming.  The hardships of our economy continue to pound at individual lives, the political arena is plain nasty, and the realities of war hit home or very close to home  for many of us.  Earlier this week, NPR ran a heartbreaking story about the harshness of rape and violation of women from ages 2-82  in Haiti.  Sometimes, the world seems overwhelming.  By looking around our individual world, wherever that is, we see small needs that can be met.  We are not powerless, and we can make a difference in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our communities.  Can you organize something?  Write a piece?  Compose a song?   Give a homeless person a bottle of water?  Clean out your closet and donate clothes and shoes to a local agency?   Use what you have, wherever you are, and share it with someone who needs it today.

I received an email at work today from a colleague who was collecting those annoying plastic bags you get at stores like Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.  Some creative soul figured out a way to recycle these into something useful.  One local church group has taken the idea and formed a group named ‘Sleeping Matters.’  They use these bags to make mats for the homeless.  Although they are not hard to make, they are time intensive.  It takes about 36 hours to make one mat.  This weekend, they donated 20 mats to a local Salvation Army.   What a great idea and a beautiful example of how a small thing can make a big difference.

Michael J. Berland wrote and interesting article which was published in today’s PARADE magazine.  PARADE is the small weekly mag that comes with the Sunday paper.  “What America Cares About-Compassion Counts More Than Ever” reveals survey results about how and where Americans donate their time and money.

This simple concept, sharing time and money is at the heart of The $10/20 Project.  What started out as a birthday present for Ron (gifts of $10 from family and friends) quickly turned into donations of $10 (or more) AND/OR sharing 20 minutes of time (or more) to someone or some organization who would benefit.  Over and over, Ron and I are struck by the simplicity of the positive impact of $10 or 20 minutes in the lives of individuals. Many of you have shared your $10/20 moments with us and I incorporate many of them on this blog.

If you are a frequent supporter, you know we are in the process of incorporating The $10/20 Project.  We have a vision statement, a mission statement, a small board of directors, and a new domain name reserved.  I won’t bore you with the details, but I promise to keep you posted as we move along. Hopefully soon, your donations will be tax deductible.

The mission statement of The $10/20 Project, includes a “think small” mentality.  Basically, when you see or hear of someone in need, you use what you have to meet the need.  The article in today’s PARADE reinforced that Americans are more compassionate in the current economic climate than they have been in previous economic downturns.  They are also motivated to be involved in local communities, by helping other people and by making the world a better place.  Dig out your Sunday PARADE and read the article.  It is also posted at http://www.parade.com/news/what-america-cares-about/featured/100307-compassion-counts-more-than-ever.html.

As always, we are grateful for your support of The $10/20 Project.   We encourage everyone reading this post to donate $10 (or more) or invest 20 minutes of your time to make a positive impact in the life of an individual or in the life of your local community.

Through the generous support of your contributions many people have been helped, many who were cold are now warmer, and many who needed food were fed, and several have the medication they need.  One man who usually stays in an alley downtown, makes money by detailing cars when the weather permits, and when he can afford to purchase supplies.  He and Ron are in regular contact and I’ve written about him in several other posts.  This man has given other people HIS coat because “they needed it.”  He has told Ron about others who are living on the street and are in need of a coat,  a meal, or have an immediate need.

A couple of weeks ago Ron bought this man a few supplies for car detailing.  Just a few simple things that he can use, and carry around with his belongings.    The weather has been a little nicer this week and the man was able to detail several cars.   Today, Ron received a voice mail from the man.  The message stated that he had used the supplies to make some cash, and he would like to buy Ron’s lunch.  Isn’t that great?

Thanks to all of you who support The $10/20 Project.  Because of your support and generosity, a man who lives on the street, was able to make enough money to not only buy his own lunch, but that of his friend.  Tonight, wherever he lays his head, he will sleep with the pride and dignity of a job well done.

The work of the $10/20 project continues.  Yesterday, Ron met a 26 year-old man who is homeless and living in his car.  The man has medical needs and also needed some warm clothing.  Ron gave him a heavy flannel shirt and a pair of gloves.  Shaking Ron’s hand and thanking him, the young man said, “Mostly, I am in need of a job.”  Hopefully, he will find one soon.  Ron has put a call into a local agency to see if he can get him into a shelter, and connect him with employment resources.

As we come across those in need, we strive to meet their immediate needs.  Thanks to all of you for your continued support and your donations.  Every $10 makes a positive impact and meets an immediate need.

Help us spread the word about The $10/20 Project.  Currently, we’re working on non-profit status and will keep everyone posted.  In the meantime, help us by donating at least $10.    Or, donate 20 minutes of time to an individual or community organization.  Help us spread the word through facebook and twitter.   We have received donations, and words of encouragement from all over the country.  Because of your generous support, people have medication, have received warm coats and gloves, or have a place to stay for a night.  Immediate needs are being met on a regular basis and every $10 donation makes a positive difference.

Ron has met many people who live on the street during the past few months.  Many recognize him, or recognize his car, and often they recognize that he distributes coats and gloves, or enough money to buy a warm meal.  Because of your donations, Ron has been able to meet immediate needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medication.  He connects people with shelters,  health care clinics, and resources whenever possible.

Early Monday morning, Ron received a phone call from a man who usually stays in an alley.  The man is a cook by trade, but currently unemployed and homeless.   Ron has previously provided him with a coat, gloves, and also a cane.   He in turn,  has provided Ron with information about other homeless people who need coats or have medical needs.   Because the weather has been so cold,  he has been staying inside a shelter.  At 7:00AM, the shelter closes for the day.  This means, at 7:00 AM, all who stayed in the shelter for the night, must be outside, allowing administrators time to clean.   Because of the pins in his knees, and a foot sore (possible diabetes), this man can’t walk for  long periods of time.  Negotiating snow and ice is impossible.   Today, because of the donations we have received, Ron was able to purchase boots for him.  Tomorrow, he will be seen by a doctor and receive the health care he needs.  Later this week, Ron will take him and purchase a 31-day bus pass.  This will allow him to move around the city, look for work, and  look for shelter.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to The $10/20 Project.  Because of your generosity, this man has his immediate needs met tonight.

Nights in Little Rock are still cold.  Days are warmer, but still only in the 40’s.    Ron has been giving out coats all week, a few here and a couple there.    He has given out coats to a few men on the street.  One of Ron’s homeless friends told him about a man who could use a coat and told Ron that he usually hung out at a certain bus stop.  Ron drove down, found the man, and gave him a warm coat.    Today,  a man came into the clinic to deliver the annual phone book.  The man was wearing a couple of sweatshirts, but not a coat.  Ron asked if he had a heavy coat, and the man replied, “no, not really.”  Ron walked outside with him, went over to his trunk and gave him a warm coat.  As they stood outside talking,  Ron learned that the man had a wife and two children.  Before the end of the conversation, each member of the family had a “new” warm coat.

People are positively impacted because of your generosity and a small amount of time.  The $10/20 project continues to provide immediate needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medication to those who need it.  Thanks to all of you who have donated.

As Ron and I have worked on what we refer to as “our $10/20 project”, we are consistently impressed with the fact that small donations of money and/or time can and do make a difference in the life of an individual. And, as many of you know, we are working on obtaining non-profit status.

Many people have become involved in the spirit of $10/20 within the spheres of their own individual lives. From friends, family members and complete strangers, from all over the country, we have received donations of at least $10. We have received checks in the mail and donations through pay-pal. Sometimes these donations are $10. Sometimes they are $200. Your generous donations have bought life-saving medication (which range from $4-$12), meals for hungry people, helped pay utility bills, bought gloves, and met numerous individual needs. The donations have met immediate needs. And because of your generosity, we’ve been able to meet immediate needs, well…immediately.

People have donated their time and talent to their communities and often to complete strangers. A woman in Florida took coffee on a Saturday morning into a waiting room full of family members as their loved one received needed cancer treatment. An eight-year old boy in Nebraska donated a coat to a complete stranger. His entire family shipped us a box of coats for Ron’s trunk inventory. A lady in California found a great coat deal online and sent us twelve brand new, heavy coats. A young man in Las Vegas went and served at a homeless shelter. Another young couple in Florida organized and collected holiday cards from people they work with, and sent over 300 cards to St. Jude’s Ranch. These are but a few of the many stories we have heard. All are a result of our $10/20 project. For Ron and I, each time we hear where or how someone has contributed, it is a gift to us.

As Ron volunteered at the Nathaniel Hill Emergency Shelter in Little Rock, he was impressed with the spirit of the guests. They organized themselves and began giving back to the shelter. They cleaned, swept, and raked leaves. They helped other guests. As they cleaned and gave their temporary shelter order, they created a temporary home. On the street, Ron has encountered individuals who have turned down a coat or pair of gloves because they have what they need. Several times individuals have referred him to other people in need. Because of their referrals, a pregnant woman has now been seen by a doctor, and many people have received coats, gloves, blankets or food. Everyone has something to give. It might be $10. It might be 20 minutes. It might be a word. Whatever “it” is, the impact is positive and immediate.

We have struggled to encapsulate a slogan or a tag-line that identifies the mission of $10/20. The heart of our $10/20 project is that each individual has the capacity to give something to another individual. And that “something”, although not wrapped in lovely paper and with a beautiful bow, is always wrapped with love. And that “something” becomes a gift. Humble or grandiose, a gift always impacts an individual life. That is the heart of our $10/20 project. Look around your world today and give away $10 or 20 minutes. You’ll receive more than you ever will give.

When Ron was working at the temporary shelter last week he met a man named Joe. Joe is a warm and friendly individual, and he and Ron became friends quickly. As Ron got to know more about Joe, he learned that Joe is diabetic, and Ron was able to refer him to Harmony Health Clinic. Many of you know that Ron is an Americorp VISTA, and works at Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock. Harmony Clinic provides free medical and dental services to the under-insured and uninsured in Central Arkansas.

Ron also learned that Joe is a proud man with an unusual situation. He owns a home and his home is heated with natural gas. Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to use his gas heat for over a year, due to a leak. The gas at his house has been turned off for over a year. Repairing the leak entails employing a plumber. Because he is unable to find work, paying utility bills, and buying food is challenging–paying a plumber is not even an option. Joe has been using an electric blanket to stay warm this winter. When the temperatures were in the single digits, an electric blanket simply wasn’t enough to stay warm, and so, Joe was a guest at the shelter.

Earlier today Ron learned that Joe’s electric bill was past-due and would be shut off today. Thankfully, the temperatures are not in the teens and an electric blanket is enough to keep him warm. Because many of you have donated at least $10, the $10/20 project had enough to cover the $160 electric bill. The phone call to the electric company took Ron less than 20 minutes. Isn’t it heartwarming to see how small donations make such a powerful impact?

Several of you have inquired about sending relief to those in Haiti through the $10/20 project.  Because we currently do not have non-profit status, we have encouraged everyone to give to the charity of your choice.  As we have watched this terrible tragedy unfold, we have been impressed with the number of organizations which have encouraged small, $5 or $10 donations.  Anyone who has followed us for the past several months knows our philosophy of how a small donation of time or money can make a positive impact in the lives of individuals.   If you have not yet given, please consider the following excellent service organizations: