Sometimes an epilog is even more meaningful than the original narrative.
Case in point: A Jan. 25 article in the Villages-News.com described the humanitarian efforts of four Villagers who were inspired to create and assemble bundles of warmth and then distribute them to homeless throughout Central Florida who were trying to cope with January’s unusually brutal weather.
Each bundle consisted of a waterproof outer tarp, a fleece blanket for warmth, and a yoga mat offering a measure of comfort from the hard, frozen ground.
“We had appealed to our nearby Bonita neighbors to help defray expenses for the materials,” said Fern DeLaCroix, who along with Patti Barrett, spearhead Comfort Bundles for the Homeless. “Because of their generosity, we reached our goal of 60 bundles.”
The article did not request additional donations.
Their neighbors’ success could have ended there.
“Almost immediately after the story appeared in the Villages-News, I received four emails asking how they could contribute. Within 24 hours, another ten Villagers contacted us wanting to participate,” recounted Fern. “We received pledges for another $770 in contributions. One gift was for $200!”
Using their new bankroll, Fern and Patti made 51 new bedrolls that were distributed to homeless in Ocala.
“We will continue to assemble these comfort bundles throughout the year,” Fran continued. “They serve an invaluable service – not only from the cold of winter — but keeping the homeless dry during the rainy season.”
Those interested in adding to the story’s epilog with either a cash contribution or by donating unused yoga mats, that reduces the bundles’ overall expense, should contact Fern at (352) 561-4332 or fernhd@live.com
