Mike is stocked up this morning from donations we delivered...

Dear Anonymous,

Mike is stocked up this morning from donations we delivered
( thank you Robin Lynn Herrick and Dear Anonymous ) and ready to distribute the dolls, stuffed animals, legos, HotWheels, dolls and coloring books. It's challenging to hand them out with kids and parents so needy he says. Not everyone exhibits exemplar behavior. But he works it out.
And the arrival of the items never fails to illicit smiles from Mike. That inner kid shows up in him. And me too. We pick up each toy and ooooo and ahhhhh over them.
Another lovely man from the streets stops by to thank us for the fleece hats the two young ladies at Portland High School made for the community last month.
He smiles. A big warm, engaging smile and says
'It's my granddaughter's favorite hat. It's blue. She calls it her 'Smurf Hat'. Thank you....'
Those two girls were able to offer something to this man that he could gift to his grandchildren. He hasn't forgotten.
Thank you Dear Anonymous. Thank you.

He is not one to want to be in a photograph. But this morning he gives permission.

Dear Anonymous,
He is not one to want to be in a photograph. But this morning he gives permission. His quiet and stately voice gracious for a cup of hot coffee. Some socks. And two beautiful handmade fleece hats for his grandchildren...made by two Portland High School Students for those experiencing homelessness with a grant from Painting For A Purpose.
He has something beautiful and useful to offer his grandkids.
THAT is something. Something real.
Great outcome. Thank you dear Anonymous , Painting For A Purpose, Portland High School students and faculty. - with Tina Clark Edwards

He was shy but wanted to say thank you. So he donned a hat and gave me permission to photograph his sweet face.

Dear Anonymous,
This morning at zero degrees these handmade felt hats, made by two students from Portland High School with a grant from Painting For A Purpose, were a big hit.
He was shy but wanted to say thank you. So he donned a hat and gave me permission to photograph his sweet face. He was so cold when he showed up. Head down fists tight, looking like I do when the cold gets the better part of me and I am isolated in that pain.
Hot coffee. A piece of coffee cake. A sweatshirt. And he's back out 'How can we thank them?' - with Tina Clark Edwards

He not only traded in a wool watch cap for this fleece hat, he asked to distribute some in the community.

Dear Anonymous,
This morning at zero degrees these handmade felt hats, made by two students from Portland High School with a grant from Painting For A Purpose, were a big hit.
He not only traded in a wool watch cap for this fleece hat, he asked to distribute some in the community. The students made hats in different sizes from infant to adult, in all different colors.
'It gives me something good to do. I know where people hang out. Who need hats. Gives me a way to give back a little, make up for my past a little bit. How can we thank these kids for doing this? Tell them they have warmed my heart. Restored some faith. Helped put together what was a little broken in me.'
All of us. Searching for a bit of redemption. - with Tina Clark Edwards

Lots of smiles out here this morning despite the awful cold.

Dear Anonymous,
This morning at zero degrees these handmade felt hats, made by two students from Portland High School with a grant from Painting For A Purpose, were a big hit.
The guys I encountered loved them because they were so warm and comfortable but also because they were moved that young students had taken an interest and were motivated to actually make these for them. Lots of smiles out here this morning despite the awful cold.
Hot coffee deeply appreciated as well.
Someone else donated this beautiful scarf and this gentleman was rockin' the look.
He wants a print of this so he can personally thank the students.
Thank you Dear Anonymous, Painting For A Purpose, Portland High School staff and students and the dear men this morning who want to say thank you. - with Tina Clark Edwards

This remarkable young woman and her friend, both students at Portland High School were awarded a grant from Painting For A Purpose...

Dear Anonymous,
This remarkable young woman and her friend, both students at Portland High School were awarded a grant from Painting For A Purpose, a nonprofit organization in Portland, Maine to make 50 fleece hats for those experiencing homelessness. This is what our youth chooses to do. Deep thanks and admiration to the students, teachers and Painting For A Purpose. The hats will be distributed via Dear Anonymous. - with Tina Clark Edwards

This remarkable young woman and her friend, both students at Portland High School were awarded a grant from Painting For A Purpose...

Dear Anonymous,
This remarkable young woman and her friend, both students at Portland High School were awarded a grant from Painting For A Purpose, a nonprofit organization in Portland, Maine to make 50 fleece hats for those experiencing homelessness. This is what our youth chooses to do. Deep thanks and admiration to the students, teachers and Painting For A Purpose. The hats will be distributed via Dear Anonymous. - with Tina Clark Edwards