A story from our founder Casey

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.