While running around, trying to frantically get through January 15th’s ‘To Do’ List, I was finding it harder than usual to focus. I couldn’t really identify the source of the anxiety and sense of distraction but I’ve felt it before. In an attempt to shake it off, I walked to my local coffee joint. Then SMACK! I was hit by the sight of a shelf stocked with rubber gloves. (not to fret, it was a figurative SMACK! not one that left a five star on my face)
And then I realized, HAITI! I couldn’t focus my efforts on my ‘To Do’ List because Haiti’s devastating misfortune was demanding my attention.
On Tuesday afternoon Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, was struck by an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of over 7.0. As buildings collapse the number of people affected are on the rise. CNN has estimated millions to be affected and the death toll in the tens of thousands. Photo courtesy of: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/earthquake_in_haiti.html
Earlier that morning, I had read that charity:water is partnering up with Partners in Health to load a full plane of supplies that will take off from NYC to Haiti on Tuesday January 19th. Items included, blankets, soap, tents and GLOVES!
With a new surge of energy I decided to try the simplest from of fundraising…asking.
So with no schpiel planned I simply asked the barista if she had any extra gloves to donate to Haiti. To my surprise, I got a YES. That was easy! So off I went with two boxes in hand to try and gather more supplies.
Next stop, Russ & Daughters, one of NYC’s last remaining appetizing shops and one of my favorite establishments in the city. After stocking up on dried fruits and nuts, I asked Josh, a fourth generation Russ, if had any extra gloves. Another YES!
Only a few blocks away, was a walk in clinic. With an extra hop in my step, fueled by the yummy trail mix, a la Russ & Daughters, and positive reactions so far,I asked them the same question. JACKPOT.
They filled up three boxes of gloves, gowns, surgical lubricant, alcohol wipes, blood glucose monitor and the list goes on.
Special Thanks to Manuel Velazquez, M.D., P.C. and Josh Tupper from Russ & Daughters
Lessons learned:
- ask and you shall receive, well maybe not always, but what’s the harm in trying
- sometimes it IS that easy –why not try it out?
- let opportunities guide you astray
- ‘To Do’ lists are wonderful if accompanied by the clause ‘do not follow me blindly’
You Can Do It Too
To add to the cargo jetting off on Tuesday, you can drop supplies at charity:water (200 Varick St. Ste 201 in NYC) during these times:
Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
