Everyone, I want to share a story with you about an experience I had last year. I hope you find the time to read this and I hope you share this story with as many people as you can. As many of you know, I started The Riverstone Project in 2001 to help people, and though I have seen a lot, this one crushed my soul. While delivering food and clothes to the homeless last year, we came across a woman’s shelter. They were so full, they had to turn people away. They let us come in to hand out clothes and food. Now this next part was one of the worst things I ever had to experience: A young girl, about 12 or 13 years old, came up to me right when I ran out of items to give out. In a very sweet and soft voice she said “excuse me mister, I don’t mean to be impolite but I noticed that you were giving away some clothes. I replied “Yes, we are just trying to help out a little”. She then said: “Would you happen to have any underwear? I won’t bother you for anything else mister.” Since I just gave away the last piece of clothing I had, it hit me so hard. I had to tell this sweet young girl “I am so very sorry dear. We ran out of everything”. She then replied ” Oh thats ok mister. It no big deal. Thank you for helping everyone. May God bless you.” I then asked one of the other guys to take over because I didn’t want to face this little girl as my tears started to fill my eyes. I went outside, away from everyone so that I could cry without being noticed. All this poor soul wanted was a pair of underwear. Just the thought of this moment still brings tears to my eyes. Think about it. Have you ever been so bad off that you had to ask someone for underwear? Imagine what that must feel like to be 12 years old and not have anything… not even basic under clothes… and to have to ask someone if they could give you a piece of clothing that is so personal. How embarrassed would you be? Now imagine telling someone who mustered up the strength to ask for underwear “Sorry, I can’t help you”. It hurts me deeply to do this every year. I don’t have the emotional strength to do this. But every year, I try to be strong… to face what I know is going to be devastating for me to experience. Please, think of these people this year. Say a prayer for them. They don’t have anyone. They feel forgotten. But its their holiday season too. Please join me and the rest of the Riversone Project volunteers (if you can) this Thanksgiving so that the homeless know that they are NOT forgotten. Maybe this year will be the year we can say “yes” to an innocent child in need. If you can help us with donations, clothing, food, or your time please contact us via our “Contact” page.

Thank you for your time and I wish all of you the very best this holiday season from the bottom of my heart.

Founder and El Presidente of The Riverstone Project
Casey

Riverstone Project just received news about a family in need this Christmas.  Please help us adopt this family!  You can help by purchasing one or more items on the list below or by donating money that Riverstone can use to purchase the gifts.

*If you purchase an item from the list below, please let us know immediately so we can take that item off the list.  All suggested items are listed “in stock” at Fairfax County stores. Please double check availability before visiting your local store.

**All donated items must be purchased before Saturday, December 15. Please contact Riverstone to coordinate a time for drop-off or pick-up on Friday evening/Saturday morning.

David is a 10-year-old boy. For Christmas, he would like:

1.    Art supply kit

• Suggested items: Any of the kits featured on sale at Michael’s (the more diverse, the better). Remember to print/use your cell phone to show the 40% off coupon when you checkout!

2.    Shirt (boys’ size 12 husky) or pants (boys’ size 14 husky) *PLEASE INCLUDE A GIFT RECEIPT

• Suggested items: $9 long-sleeve shirt from Target or $17 cargo pants from Target

3.    Sneakers (men size 7) *PLEASE INCLUDE A GIFT RECEIPT

• Suggested items: $11 AND1 sneakers at Walmart or $30 Champion sneakers at Target

Beatrice is a 3-year-old girl. For Christmas, she would like:

1.    Age-appropriate art supplies such as coloring books, stickers

• Suggested items: $10 Minnie Mouse Sticker Kit from Toys R Us

2.    Winter clothes such as sweater or pants (toddler size 4T) *PLEASE INCLUDE A GIFT RECEIPT

• Suggested items: $19 fleece sweater from Target or $15 denim jeans from Target

3.    Boots (child size 11) *PLEASE INCLUDE A GIFT RECEIPT

• Suggested items: $30 fuchsia boots from Target

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM! IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE AT THIS TIME, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT! 🙂

So it has taken the Riverstone Project a while to get our website up, but we are finally here.  We are going to continue to add new features and improve the on-line experience along with keep our audience updated on training, new, and other resources.  Thanks to all that have helped get RS off the ground. Special thanks to Lauren R, Alex Grohmann, Rob C, TripleH,  TheBigD (if that is still your handle), Mech7, and anyone else I might have left off this list.