Meet in Downtown LA on Friday or Pasadena on Saturday ???
Details
Hi friends.
Is everyone doing okay?
Again, we know times are tough for some people.
If anyone is around this weekend and the upcoming weeks / months -- I'm gonna try to plan a few more get-togethers.
Recently, a friend (group member who has joined our volunteer events & camping trips) and I met for lunch and conversation -- and it was nice to catch up.
She recommended a game night gathering on Friday night in downtown LA.
She said the other attendees are friendly.
I'll probably be tired (working with little kids on Friday) and dealing with LA traffic on Friday (Dodgers game) -- so I hope to arrive to DTLA around 5:30 or 6 pm.
If anyone works in downtown LA and doesn't want to be stuck in traffic -- feel free to lmk if anyone wants to grab dinner somewhere in/near downtown.
Or if anyone drives by or lives/works nearby, feel free to lmk if you want to join us for the board/card game event. (Note - they might charge a $6 fee).
Earlier this year, back in January, there were many individuals & groups who helped in response to the fires in LA.
One of the groups I remembered -- is still active.
They are making meals and then delivering the food to people in need (such as those affected by the fires).
If anyone isn't busy (supposedly there's a big, No Kings protest on Saturday), feel free to join. It'll be in Pasadena.
Their website is
Their social media NoResGourmet has photos & videos that show what they are about and what they do.
I like volunteering in a kitchen -- but totally understandable many people dislike food prep...but yeah...just wanted to share about it.
I'm gradually gonna volunteer less with the children's camp (for grieving children) -- and hope to do more volunteering in SoCal -- so stay tuned for future opportunities.
It's short/late notice -- so my expectations are low -- but if anyone wants to join, sign up with No Res Gourmet on their website
https://forms.noresgourmet.org/volunteer
If working in a kitchen doesn't sound appealing -- they might have other tasks such as driving and delivering the food to people in need. I don't mind driving if anyone else wants to join with distributing.
Oh, and I might a friend in Compton on Saturday (late afternoon or evening), so if anyone in South LA wants to talk, feel free to lmk.
If anyone is in/near Orange County -- I plan on attending a friend's birthday thing in HB on Sunday afternoon...and so, if anyone wants to talk -- feel free to lmk.
I can meet in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Garden Grove, etc... in the late afternoon or early evening.
My brain is still full of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin -- from this past weekend.
The group of kids I was with (along with the other adult volunteers) was one of the best / stellar groups I've ever been with.
The kids were so kind, caring, empathetic, and supportive.
Sadly, we sometimes see too many negative stories on the news or on social media (hateful, angry, miserable, selfish, greedy, cruel, and evil individuals).
We don't have to be discouraged, jaded, cynical, etc...
There are some good people out there.
Throughout my years of volunteering -- I have witnessed numerous acts of humanity and have been inspired, encouraged, and uplifted by many loving, compassionate, and generous people.
Back in January, I drove around Pasadena / Altadena and was heartbroken by the sight of destroyed homes and businesses.
However, many people donated their time and gave to those affected by the fires.
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/35647013
The friend I recently met, she escaped a toxic & abusive relationship.
When fleeing her situation, she only took a few clothes and one pair of shoes.
I saw many clothing and shoe donations, so we know many people are kind.
If anyone has any good condition
shoes in size 7.5
clothes in XS or XXS
or
pants/jeans in size 25
please feel free to let us know.
This person has volunteered with me numerous times (helping with homeless / unhoused people, veterans, and animals/dogs), so she is worthy imo.
Okay...again, I realize this is incredibly short/late notice -- so my expectations are low.
I'll post more stuff in the upcoming weeks...maybe something for the following weekend (Oct 25 or 26)...and possibly a volunteer event in downtown LA for kids celebrating their birthday (Thursday night - Oct 30) called Worthy of Love
https://www.worthyoflovela.org
Oh, btw, in my last posting -- I mentioned I was going to volunteer at a children's camp for kids who lost a loved one to suicide.
Hearing multiple kids share their personal stories of a family member struggling and ultimately deciding to do what they did...
...please know you are not alone.
Many of you don't know me.
TBH, we probably will never talk, interact, or meet in person.
And that's okay.
I'm not delusional nor naive.
I'm extremely busy and can't do much...but if anyone is seriously struggling with issues, mental health or something else -- I sincerely hope you don't have to deal with anything alone...and that you don't give up.
Whether you face your hurdles/challenges alone, or if you find support elsewhere, we all are rooting for you and want you to be happy, healthy, and proud.
Thanks everyone.
Cheers! :)