Sunday, Jan. 8 was one of the coldest days for hanging scarves that we’ve had in the past four years since we’ve started our Warm Your Heart – Make a Scarf initiative in Thompson. The cold wind bit right through our skin but in all four years it was the most heartwarming day. As we were hanging the scarves some very cold-looking people came by and a lady asked if she could have a hat. I quickly grabbed her a hat, scarf and mitts. I looked behind her to see a man with no mitts and his hands were straight out and looked stiff. I said, “How about we get you some mitts?” and he responded with a simple “Yes, please.” We found him mitts, a hat and a scarf and soon others followed. We were telling everyone to take what they wanted off the trees and the fence but they stood there and waited for us to wrap them in warmth. They were all very thankful. The initiative is not one of any religious faith but I did note that every single person said “God bless you” when we gave them warmth. One man was very cold and I noticed his jacket was undone. I suggested he zip it up while we will get him some mitts. As I turned Judith Maskerine and Marie Lambe were already wrapping items around him. I gave him extra mitts to put in his pocket for when the other mitts get too cold or wet. He had tears freezing to his face and told me that God will bless us for what we are doing. The initiative is not one of any religious faith and I have no idea of the other ladies’ religious views and that does not matter to me, but I did see how it affected all of us ladies with his gratitude and appreciation of someone caring about him. I know many of us care about our homeless community and I see others helping as well. Somebody has prayed with him because he asked me if we should pray. Just as he asked, somebody else started talking to him but I certainly would have prayed with him. I am not one to deny my religious faith and though I don’t push my views on to anyone else I would pray with anyone that asked me to.
Thompson is such a giving community when there is a need. Thank you to all those that dropped off hats, mitts, scarves, and neck warmers at the Quality Inn & Suites and thanks to anyone that dropped off wool that kept our little group of ladies busy knitting and crocheting for the past four years. This initiative has not only built tight-knit friendships such as Stacy Ellingson and Nadine Vokey who met through this and are now very good friends but an overwhelming of appreciation from those in need during the cold winters in Thompson.
The organizers gathered at the Quality Inn afterward where we warmed our hands around cups of hot chocolate and conversation quickly went to how it was so amazing that we had well over 200 items donated and how thankful the recipients of your generosity were to receive them. We spoke about how we are already planning on starting right away to get stocked up for our fifth year. It’s never too early and if anyone would like more information please contact any one of the ladies mentioned or myself.
As I sat in my comfy warm home typing this column on my iPhone knowing that my loved ones are all safe and warm, I wondered about those that aren’t so fortunate. Each year as I drive away and my fingers are in pain from the cold, I can’t help but wonder how the homeless survive in these temperatures. I decided that I would take a ride past the post office the next day to see how many scarves are left and will bring a box of hot chocolates with me to share.
When my head lands on my pillow tonight and I close my eyes to sleep I know my thoughts will turn to those less fortunate and I will pray they are safe. Thanks to the kindness of many, a few are a little warmer.
