Generosity is in the air.
Last year, it was blankets. This year, it is socks for our buddy.
Vincenzo Gallo, 8, made a decision last Christmas season that he wanted 99 blankets to give to the homeless. He got the idea from a television show. It was his wish, and it was on his Christmas list. The 99 number sounded good.
His parents said he has always been a thoughtful child, so why not?
Vincenzo put the word out, talked to relatives and others. He was on television and in the newspaper. He got 350 blankets. Lots of people decided it was a great idea.
An overachiever — no doubt about it.
This year, it is socks. His father, Omar, said the socks will take up less room in the collection process. The basement was full. Dad said it was a crazy time with blankets coming from businesses and individuals.
By the way, Vincenzo’s mom is Belen. She was deeply involved in the blanket collection, too.
The blankets were dispersed to homeless centers and churches.
So back to the socks. “We talked to the homeless center, and they told us socks were important because they (the homeless) are on the streets. They need them because of the cold,” Omar said.
Vincenzo started last week and had 50 pairs in a few days. The goal this year is 200 pairs. “Other people are stepping up already. Hacken Orthodontics, South Bend, donated 50 blankets last year and reached out again this year. They’ve already gathered 130 pairs of socks. They are challenging other dental offices, which is amazing,” Omar said.
Omar said this year hasn’t been easy on their family and many others. A little bit of goodness goes a long way. If you’d like to donate, send email to Vincenzodonates@hotmail.com. The family will be collecting until Dec. 15 and will distribute before Christmas.
Next year, Vincenzo wants to try collecting hats and gloves. He is thinking ahead.
•••
Here’s a group looking for warm stuff.
Thumb’s up for the Ripple Effect Vocal Visionary Project. The singing group will have a Merry Melody Mitten Drive from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 11. They will be singing carols and holiday favorites outside the Indiana Rug Company, 220 E. Mishawaka Ave.
Sherry Klinedinst, director for Ripple Effect Vocal Visionary Project, said the group is asking for mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and hats. There will be a donation barrel with them for all the goodies. The group will take money and gift card donations, as well.
All the warm wear will be going to Broadway Christian Parish for those in need.
“We’ve done this every year for the seven years of our existence. We like to include local businesses in the event. We’re lucky to have Indiana Rug to be involved this year,” she said.
The Ripple Effect is noted in the area for a number of things. It has a diverse membership from Indiana and Michigan and the “If You Knew Me” concerts that include life stories and music. The life-changing stories touch everyone’s hearts. The group also was invited to Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The Carnegie trip was in December 2019, which seems like a lifetime ago.
The Merry Melody Mitten events have been successful in the past. “It is fun, we enjoy each other’s company,” she said. The hour will go by fast.
She is hoping for a good turnout and good weather.
Pandemic/Holiday Thoughts
It is Christmas when all the smelly ads appear. We only see perfume ads around Christmas and a little bit at Mother’s Day. There were a few commercials in August for perfumes. I figured people were returning to the offices and they wanted to smell better.
All in all, the commercials have pretty people selling stuff, and they probably smell great. Here’s a toast to feeling frumpy. No one looks that good without airbrushing.
I know the Christmas lights are shining and the trees are appearing in the windows. Something is missing. And don’t say it is the lack of snow. Don’t need snow. Maybe I need late-night shopping — in person. Less computer shopping. Ugly sweater? Nah. Doesn’t work.
We get to say goodbye to Medicare ads. I think the Joe Montana ads were the best of the former quarterback commercials. Joe Namath — not so much.
Get your shots, wear a mask and watch puppy videos.
