Now that the mid-term elections are over, the hoopla and fun around Halloween are a distant memory and the temperature finally starts to change, many in the community look toward the upcoming holidays and the season of giving.
For many in the LGBTQ community, this often means giving back via volunteering and/or attending glittering holiday parties and fundraisers for which we are famously generous. For others, the act of giving is an intensely personal act, borne of a unique perspective only someone who has lived without or received something from someone during a challenging point in their life can understand how a simple act of giving can shape another person’s life.
Downtown Norfolk resident Charles Kirtland has this unique perspective. Twelve years ago, Kirtland was homeless, living in shelters and under bridges in his native Austin, TX prior to getting into rehab and changing his life. His experience living on the street shaped who he is today and this year marks the seventh year he makes and distributes care packages to the homeless. According to Kirtland, the first year he distributed six care packages and this year he hopes to distribute six dozen in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Knowing what it is like to be alone during the holidays, Kirtland started hosting large dinners, but his mind returned to what it felt like to be on the street.
“There are people out in the street that literally have no one and nothing year round. So, I started creating packages with things that we use everyday and take for granted. I can’t walk anywhere downtown without knowing every homeless person here because of that. I’ve been on the street before, I mean it’s been 12 years, but I still feel their pain.”
Last week, Kirtland hosted a pumpkin carving and dinner, asking attendees to bring a donated coat (or other clothing item) or make a cash donation. So far, he has gathered over 40 coats and commitments from others to donate blankets and other items, in addition to $700 he received from The Cavaliers club and MJ’s Tavern to purchase toiletries, socks and undergarments to complete the care packages.
Transgender Assistance Program – TAP Virginia Clothing Drive
LGBT Life Center Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
Holiday Sip & Shop to Benefit the LGBT Life Center
Kick off your holiday shopping and give back to the LGBT community. Bring a frozen turkey for the LGBT Life Center’s Thanksgiving food drive and receive a coupon for 25% off your purchase (art excluded) in Serendip this evening from 5-7 p.m.
We know this is not an exhaustive list of charitable activities happening in our community between now and the end of the year. If you want to promote your event or cause, please let us know at editor@outwire757.com.
