The Book Bank Foundation is headed for a year of expansion and amazing growth in 2008! In light of the excitement ahead, we decided to launch a blog to keep you posted on Book Bank Foundation news and events that deserve the spotlight this year. The other purpose of this blog is to give newcomers to The Book Bank Foundation a look into the heart of the BBF -- what we stand for, what our volunteers have to say and what our vision is for 2008 and beyond.Before we begin to highlight events for 2008, I wanted to make sure you got a taste of one of the most amazing events the BBF holds each year -- it is called Shelter From the Streets. For the past 10 years, the BBF sets aside a day near the holidays to bring donations of all types (clothes, toys, books, toiletries, phone cards and other surprises) to those who are spending the holidays in homeless shelters throughout New York City. We want to take the time to say thanks to all of our donors for the day. In particular the Book Bank Foundation sends out a huge THANK YOU to one of our donors, Zoo York, who provided us with new clothing to share with the homeless.
2007 Shelter from the Streets was my first opportunity to take part in this event. It was one of the most powerful, soul-touching events I've been a part of in my lifetime. In each location we visited, there were heartfelt exchanges of love between the volunteers and the residents of the shelters. We took the time to sing carols with our friends in the shelter, to talk with them and to even shed some tears with them.
One of the most touching moments of the day for me was at the men's shelter we visited, the New York Rescue Mission in Manhattan. It was the last shelter we stopped at for the day and we arrived around 9 p.m. The founder of the BBF, Mr. Glenn Toby (pictured above), was introduced and called to the stage to say a few words to the gentlemen in the shelter. As he began speaking, he recalled his years as a homeless child and then became silent. A few tears formed in his eyes as he stood quietly at the podium. Everyone in the shelter felt the power of the love in his voice and in his silence. The moments of silence that followed his words were so powerful -- it was as if every person in the room--volunteers, shelter staff and the homeless were all joined together as one spirit. I stood there taking in the moment and feeling so grateful to be part of this event.
There is such power in spending time and energy to share love with others, to join them where they are in their life circumstances and to share resources to brighten up their days.
In the words of another volunteer who joined us for the day, Mr. Ed Tseng writes:
"Shelter From the Streets was one of the most amazing events I have ever been part of. As a peak performance expert and mind/body/spirit trainer, I see that much of society is concerned with "me, me, me"instead of "we, we, we." There's something powerful about people helping people. Regardless of what color we are on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. We're just tying to make the most out of life and attain happiness and fulfillment. But somewhere along the line, we lost touch with our connection with others, especially those less fortunate than us. They are almost looked down upon.
The Book Bank Foundation is an organization without funding, which speaks volumes of their passion. I have never been around such "real" people with huge hearts. That includes, the homeless as well as the volunteers. I am a big fan of the BBF and am willing to help out in any way that I can. If you are reading this and are not currently a volunteer for the BBF, please get involved. It will not only change people's lives, it will change YOURS."
Ed Tseng is right on with his comments. If you have passion for helping others, then the BBF is the place for you. Join us throughout the year as a volunteer. We are already collecting toys, books, clothes and other supplies for next year's Shelter From the Streets and other similar events that are held throughout the country.
On a closing note, I want to share with you the comments Mr. Marvin Brown, long-time volunteer for the BBF, shared with me the day after Shelter From the Streets 2007: "I'm ready to get started collecting donations for next year. It is days like this that I live for -- to bring about change to our community." Marvin and all the other volunteers of the BBF live, breathe and love every opportunity they have for serving their communities. If you have that type of energy, we need your help.
To learn more about the BBF, please visit us at http://www.thebbf.org/ .
Visit our blog on a weekly basis to get updates on the difference we are making in the lives of those we serve.
With passion for change,
Trish Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer
The Book Bank Foundation
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