What has been collected so far for the DFW list. the SanAn/Laredo/RGV list and Lackland lists are going.
We have taken up the cause of the refugee humanitarian crisis along the border. Meet Operation Matthew 25. We are using the bible verse as inspiration but the event founder is in fact an atheist so this is not strictly a christian event. We have people of all faiths, and no faith, participating.
Backstory is, as you know, the thousands of refugee children arriving at the border from Central America. Texas is ground zero for this. What Happens In Texas has taken up the cause. OCT affiliated individuals are planning to protest the buses bringing some of these children to Dallas to be housed humanely while their fates are being determined. We are determined not to let that happen, and are organizing a counter protest. Those details are being kept secret so if you wish to know, please message me directly if you are in TX and want to participate. However, for the rest, meet Operation Matthew 25... an attempt to get care items together for the children (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, flashlights, small stuffed toys, backpacks, crayons, etc etc).
the Facebook event is here https://www.facebook.com/...
and the Amazon wishlist, in case any kossacks wish to contribute, is here http://www.amazon.com/...
we had planned on the 6th to try to get 50 boxes together, 4 days later we are at over 200 and counting.
(Note: We need items delivered by July 23 so we can assemble the boxes)
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"- Margaret Mead
We are changing the world, one small act of boots on the ground activism and love at a time. Join us if you wish.
Fri Jul 11, 2014 at 11:45 AM PT: It has been decided that any "leftovers" (think we have 51 of something but 50 of the other items for a box etc) will be donated to a local women's shelter to make sure they are still going to a good cause
Fri Jul 11, 2014 at 12:26 PM PT: CC has contacted us. There are needs for these kids in Laredo, Lackland AFB and the Rio Grande Valley. WHIT is considering adding items to the wishlist to be sent directly to those areas as a continuing support
Fri Jul 11, 2014 at 5:59 PM PT: UPDATE- We now have THREE wishlists. the DFW wishlist is unchanged and will go to care boxes for the children being sent to Dallas County. there is also now a San Antonio wish list that will go directly to Catholic Charities and some WHIT members for the San Antonio/Laredo/Rio Grande Valley area refugees, and a Lackland list that will go specifically to the children going to be housed at Lackland AFB. All lists can be found https://www.amazon.com/...
Sat Jul 12, 2014 at 9:27 PM PT: Here is another thing we can do- I have started a petition to the white house. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/... Please sign and share as you see fit, id like to get enough signatures (deadline 12 August) to force a response
Wed Jul 16, 2014 at 12:49 PM PT: From the original founder of the event today comes the following: "I believe in miracles. I have always believed in miracles. I have witnessed the miracle of new life entering this world. I have also witnessed the miracle of life entering the next world. I have witnessed the miracle of love and commitment. I have seen anger turn into understanding. No small miracle there.
You, each of you, have created another miracle. You have given a lot of children who are scared, lonely and homeless a little bit of care in the form of shampoo, backpacks, a blanket or a snuggle buddy. You have shown some care the only way we have at this time. You have donated your money, you have shared the message and you have been the voice for those that can’t speak to us.
This started with my computer and an invitation to about 20 people. It was shared beyond the initial 20 to a few thousand. Many, many responded. You have, in ten days, donated in excess of $10,000 in goods for the DFW area. No corporation did this. No giant, complex red tape. One person at a time did this. You did this. I am beyond blown away by you. I want you to stop right now and think about what you have done. You have enhanced the life of more than 200 children and taken a small expectation beyond our wildest dreams.
San Antonio has another 200 children waiting for a miracle. We have received about $2000 towards that miracle. I know we will create it. I know we will because of you.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for the blessing you have given and are giving.
#operationmatthew25"