3. Homeless for the Holidays

8. Photo courtesy of Art Illman

9. Coats and sweaters passed along to those who need them from so many people who care.

10. ` Photo courtesy of Art Illman Chapsticks, skin creams, gift cards.

11. Socks, gloves, hats Photo courtesy of Art Illman

12. Photo courtesy of Art Illman Dave Levinson involved his daughters in making these notes and writing these messages of kindness.

13. Dave Harrison had the great idea of encouraging his children to embrace caring for homeless people as their scout project.

14. By doing this they are teaching future generations to care.

16. Office of Court Interpreter Services staff bring warmth, color and joy.

18. Shoes Photo courtesy of Art Illman

19. Among the many things donated by Framingham Police Detective Macaudde was this blanket knit by her nana specifically for the homeless.

21. One sock at a time, so many people behind them

22. Gift cards purchased with your contributions and donated by loyal friends.

24. These are not just cards, they give the dignity of being able to walk into a store and buy your own food.

26. Loyal friends like Brigit Gassner, Dave Levinson and Heather Pelletier, among others, continue to make this happen.

28. One of Lisa Spaddy’s many trips bringing donations from Framingham Juvenile Court.

29. Lisa with her own donated bags of goods

30. We continue bribing Lisa with cake because without her we would be lost.

31. Taking stock of what we have.

33. So many people to thank.

34. Elaine Leverone from the Framingham clerk’s office bringing more donations

36. From four years ago until today, we have grown a lot.

37. Working day and night to pull things together

38. Donations from Judges Garringer and Stoddard, Lydia, Bert, Belle, the Harrises, Marie and her church, Toni and her church and so many others.

39. Belle Solloway brought 75 sandwiches that she and her children made.

42. Y Each one individually labeled

43. The last of the donations come in with Alcione’s soup.

46. We begin to assemble the “care packages.”

48. `

49. Volunteers become a family affair.

50. We receive help from Belinda’s mother and sister, who also collected donations from their friends.

51. Our two new angels for the team

52. Adding final touches

53. Each bag contains sandwiches, cheese, beef jerky, crackers, cookies…

54. … lip balm for broken lips, a treasure from Ann, Vietnamese interpreter …

55. … hand and foot warmers to survive, holiday cakes to warm the heart…

56. And a message

58. We boiled water for soup, oatmeal and hot cocoa.

60. things And loaded the van with all the items people donated.

61. It took all afternoon. When we finished, the van was so full…

63. we barely fit inside ourselves.

64. Ready to go

67. Then we headed to Boston

68. Christmas lights were shining brightly in downtown Boston,

69. But the streets were deserted.

71. But if you look a little more closely

72. Where only a flashlight can reach

73. Behind the designer stores…

75. Living among the trash and the rats…

77. you’ll find another world out there.

79. We had to make sure people were prepared for the blizzard that was coming in a few hours.

81. Getting stopped by so many, desperate for hot soup and food.

82. The importance of taking a few moments to talk, to laugh, to celebrate the holidays .

85. Not far from the glow of the City’s Christmas trees…

86. Men lay asleep out on the open sidewalk, yet invisible to the world.

87. Many had no idea that a blizzard was coming. They were completely unprepared.

90. Other people knew what was coming but felt they had no other option.

91. We tried to make sure they were as safe as possible.

94. According to the City of Boston, there are 168 more we did not meet.

97. Trying on her new shoes

98. People were grateful for the blankets, clothing and gift cards they received.

99. They settled in for the night a little bit warmer and a little less hungry.

101. … know that on this night, on these streets, for these men and women…

103. You have made a genuine difference.

121. Thanks again to all who contributed to this year’s Homeless for the Holidays project:

123. Thanks again to all who contributed to this year’s Homeless for the Holidays project:

125. Thanks again to all who contributed to this year’s Homeless for the Holidays project:

127. Thanks again to all who contributed to this year’s Homeless for the Holidays project:

129. Thanks again to all who contributed to this year’s Homeless for the Holidays project: