By Lisa Kogan-
On Sunday January 9th, under the guidance of Venerable Xianzhong, PLC volunteers set out for the journey to Skid Row in Los Angeles. Cars and vans were filled to the brim with goods bought from Costco: croissants, muffins, Gatorade, water and bananas. Much-needed scarves, gloves, beanies, socks and men/ women’s clothes and shoes were donated as well. More than 8,000 people call the streets of Skid Row home. Today, we had the opportunity to help well over 200 people. We were met with gratitude and happiness. They appreciated the warm clothing items as now the nighttime temperature is dipping into the 40s. Some people have tents but many sleep on the sidewalks. We hope these clothes help keep them warm! People were delighted to receive muffins, croissants, bananas, and water! Gatorade was a favorite as many people living on the streets usually receive only water. 3 homeless dogs also enjoyed the croissants as well! With gratitude and folded hands we send our thanks to those we made today possible: those who donated money for the food; donated the much needed clothing; and those we came to serve today: Hui-chuan, Connie, Patrick, Breck, Heather, and Lisa. We are thankful for the 3 homeless men (JR, Cornell, and Ruben), who asked if they could help us. Those receiving today’s offering shared happy words and let us know how grateful they were. And, we are grateful for them; for providing an opportunity for us to help in a meaningful way on a very meaningful and auspicious day: Buddha’s Enlightenment Day!
