A Small Idea, A Giant Outpouring Of Human Kindness

We Can Make A Difference

So many of us do not believe that we can make a difference no matter how little extra money or time we may have.  I am part of an organization known as the Brown Bag Brigade, which was started on December 8, 2006 in response to the homeless population continuing to increase at an amazing rate.  Many of the participants in this organization have very little discretionary income but have a kind and loving heart and often that is all that is needed to start something amazing. 

Planting Seeds

I write about this to plant seeds in those who have thought they are not able to make a difference.  I encourage everyone try to make a difference in your community and help strangers in need no matter how little money or time you may have.  This simple act will prompt you to reflect on how miniscule issues that anger you throughout the day are compared to others who are less fortunate.  It will give you a greater appreciation of what you do have and the family and friends that you might take for granted.

A Verse From The Wise

Before beginning on my quest to help the homeless I came across this verse.

'For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink.
Truly I tell you, inasmuch as
you have done it to one of the least
of these my brethren, you did it to me'
Matthew 25: 35, 40

With this verse and a group of determined individuals, December 8, 2006, a simple email was sent out to friends and family with an idea of distributing 200 brown bags of food to the Orlando homeless on Saturday, December 23 as a Christmas gift to the homeless. The outpouring of love and human kindness was amazing! There are many people in this world who do care about others needs even if those in need are living on the street. With the overwhelming response and donations that continue to pour in I am positive that this project will survive for years to come.

Courage In An Adverse Situation

I have been privileged to donate my time to distributing meals to the homeless. I am humbled at the appreciation and love each individual has given me. These people are like you and I and yet they are different. I find myself gazing into their eyes and seeing the pain of past experiences and the yearning for human contact. Each having their own past and each creating a humble home in the street. Some wanting the safety of being introduced back into society. Others content with the solitude that they have found street living offers.

Seeing who these people really are gives me an entirely different perspective on life. I'm finding myself reexamining who I am and what I am doing. Wondering whether I could be one of those individuals and how would I react. Although most display a pleasant demeanor how can they when so many issues present themselves on a daily basis? Would I have the energy to continue to dream that maybe, just maybe, I will overcome this obstacle?

Brown Bag Brigade Embarking On A Movement

I thank God every day that I am not living in the streets and at the same time ask what I can do to help those less fortunate than I. Being a doctor I understand that food and water are the most important needs to sustain life. Shelter, clothes etc are second to nutritional sustenance. The Brown Bag Brigade is embarking on a movement in the Orlando area along with other organizations. We understand that not only is the homeless population made up of veterans and individuals hard on their luck but there are also Katrina victims living in our beloved streets.

In total the Brown Bag Brigade has distributed over 600 meals to the Orlando homeless since our meek beginning on December 8, 2006. The Brown Bag Brigade is committed to distributing meals at least once a month. The number of meals distributed is determined on donations. Each day more checks are received in the mail as people understand the need and want to help. If you are looking for a great cause to donate money the Brown Bag Brigade and Share and Care Foundation is an excellent opportunity.

Each meal costs approximately $3 so for a theatre ticket you can feed 3 people and your doing a wonderful service to humanity and will reap great benefits from it. If you go to the movie you are not necessarily guaranteed money well spent.

Thanks To All Contributors

Thank you to all who have contributed so far and we'd like to remind everyone that the homeless need food on a daily basis so we ask that you contribute what you can as often as you can. Further I'd like to also let all readers know that Share and Care Foundation has no overhead. All of the money we receive goes directly to feeding the homeless. The volunteers who use their cars to distribute food are donating not only the car but gas etc. This organization is unlike many others in which only a percentage actually goes directly to the project. With Share and Care Foundation you can be assured that all donations go completely to the supplies purchased for the Brown Bag Brigade to feed the homeless.

Horizons magazine recently featured an article on Share and Care Foundation and the Brown Bag Brigade in its March 2007 issue.  Andrea de Michaelis was extremely helpful in getting the Share and Care Foundaiton and Brown Bag Brigade information out to the entire state of Florida.  Thank you Andrea for your continued support for such a worthy cause!  You can read more about it here on page 20.

You can send donations to:  Share and Care Foundation, 1545 Antigua Bay Dr., Orlando, FL  32824
Or contact by phone for more information at:  1.866.839.7713
Or email for more information at:  shareandcarefoundation@gmail.com

Please leave comments on how you are making a difference in your community.  There are many ideas throughout the world being utilized to help others less fortunate.  Please leave your information for other readers to participate.

Dr. Betts