SERVING THE COMMUNITY, ONE CHAIR AT A TIME
I want to share the experience I had during the Women Helping Women Initiative in Virginia when collecting donations for the ACTS shelter here in Woodbridge. Recently I went to two stores, Lowe’s and Home Depot, to ask if they could donate weather resistant chairs for ACTS. They were to be placed in a meditation area alongside the shelter. I received WFWP letterhead from Irmgard in New York, and a donation form to be filled out by the donor. These helped a lot when asking for donations.
I first went to Home Depot. There I met the Assistant Manager Daniel Savant. I introduced myself and gave him a WFWP brochure. I explained the work we do and the specific need of the shelter that we are trying to help. I also showed him pictures that I took of the meditation area. This was to give him a better idea of what is needed.
He walked with me to the front of the store where the outdoor furniture was. We looked at what was left. He asked me what I felt they could use at the shelter. I pointed to a box of 12 folded bagged chairs. They were made of weather resistant fabric and were of assorted colors. I said, "These will be functional, and the various colors will give them joy.” He then said, "If that is what you want, I can give you a box of these chairs today. Pull up your car by the front entrance. We'll load the chairs into your car.'' I shook his hand and thanked him.
Cara Ciemny with donated chairs
After that, I visited Lowe's, which is across the street from Home Depot. I spoke to Mr. Kingsley Oduro, a department manager there. He was very interested in what I had to say. He said, ‘Lowe's likes to help the community.'' He told me that he would pass on the information and the picture I gave him of the meditation area, to the staff meeting that he was going to attend the next day. He said that he would let me know of the outcome. He called me a couple of days after that. His response was very hopeful. He explained that even though Lowe's could not donate chairs, they could perhaps build benches for the meditation area. I told him that it would be wonderful if they could. He wanted to work out some details and then let me know more.
My daughter Caralina and I will delivered the chairs and some other donations to the shelter this month. Some were from the residents in the Fellowship House where WFWP has been doing activities. Other articles were donated by a lady named Melissa, to ACTS.
ACTS Meditation area
I had met Melissa by chance when I went to Lowe's. She works at the customer service desk. We talked about WFWP and how our group is helping ACTS. She was moved and shared how after being in an abusive relationship, the ACTS shelter gave her the care and help she needed to get back on her feet. She said she had a couple of bags and a box she wanted to donate to a good cause. She asked if I could take them to ACTS. I said we would. I gave her my card and another for a friend she said was also interested in WFWP. She looked at me and said, “You know, God is always sending me good people when I need them. You are a good person.'' I gave her a hug, thanked her, and wished her a good day.
Melissa works at Lowe's at the customer service desk in Woodbridge, Virginia. If you are ever in Virginia, stop by and say hello to her. Tell her that you are a member of WFWP. Be a good person that she needed to meet.
Donated chairs from Home Depot
Carmella with Ms. Williams