Taken from the balcony of The First Presbyterian Church NYC in the winter of 2013.
Growing up in England in the 50’s and 60’s a natural part of life was giving back . It wasn’t something that you talked about it was something that you just did. Wether it was my Dad telling me stories of how when he was a boy at the end of the day they would open their bakery to  the people less fortunate from the neighborhood to use the still hot oven to cook their own bread or my own memories  of  the Salvation army coming round every Christmas, poppies on remembrance day, all those little enveloppes from orphanages we would fill and cards made by the handicapped. I was surrounded by this as a part of life.
So for me it has always been difficult to talk about giving back, it all seemed so phony this talk and I always felt so guilty when not able to give or giving when I myself actually owed money. So being able to give of my time has helped me and I am learning to talk more about this  and not feel so self conscious. One of the causes I help is in need of bodies. The Mens Shelter which is held at The First Presbyterian Church during the winter is in need of people to stay overnight  so that 10 men can have warm beds. If we get enough volunteers maybe the men can sleep there 6 or 7 days a week instead of 5.  You can either help with the set up from 7.30 to 9pm…putting out beds and food or  volunteers most needed are those to sleep over from 8.30 to 6.30-7am in the morning when the men leave. They need 2 volunteers every night for this.  Even once a month makes an enormous difference. It is so fabulous to be able to walk through a peaceful Washington Square Park at that time of the morning. The men snore..all very different snores, so its rather like all those cats meowing people have been making music with only a little deeper.
For those interested in finding out  more and giving your time contact Lauren at the following adress.  shelter@fpcnyc.org  and thankyou from the bottom of my heart.
With much love Linda