You've heard it called by different names but it's all the same drive!

Rather than my usual tales of debauchery & shopping I am going to fill your minds with visions of warm socks. You may have caught that I started this "Critical Needs Drive" for Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless recently. This is due to some inspiration from Johnny Mango & a sign from God.

Well, it has a name now! Or two. And I have decided to make this my "first annual". Because it has grown from a few close friends to a lot of friends. See, it's not all fun & games in Martini World!

I am truly ecstatic over the outpouring of support for this. As some of you may know... I have been homeless from time to time in my youth.
Hell, just 10 years ago I lived in a tent.
It's not always due to the reasons many of us think.
Even if it is... they need help.
So, let's reach out, starting this holiday season, and lend a hand to those in need.

I am looking forward to our creation of a mega giant holiday "pile o' stuff" for the homeless.
It is quite impressive so far but I know all my great friends, old & new, will come through.
oh the pressure.

I have already had boxes dropped of in my driveway, have personally shopped with some of you, and have many promises.
Keep up the good work.

I spoke with Dawne Bell at AHCH today & these are the most critical of the items needed at right now:
Blankets
Gloves
Scarves
Hats
Socks
Just give something. Please.
I will be making house calls & such until 12/31 when we will cart it all down to their offices.

The entire list is below...

I just want to thank everyone & remind you to give whatever you can.

Drop me a line if you want to meet up for contributions.

Cheers to you!

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A case of bottled water is like $3. at Costco, a blanket is like $5 at Walgreens, old pots & pans.. Goodwill? What about all those shampoos you stole from that hotel? You get the picture.
THE LIST of Critical Needs:

Art supplies

Back packs

Blankets

Books for kids

Bottled water

Children’s craft supplies (glitter, glue, paper, etc.)

Children’s white t-shirts for tie-dying.

Cleaning supplies

Clock radios

Coloring books and crayons

Diapers (children's--all sizes)

Frames

Gloves

Greeting Cards

Hats

Lip balm

Low Fire Clay

Pillows

Pots, pans, dishes & silverware (for the residential programs)

Razors

Scarves

Sheets

Sleeping bags

Socks (new)

Tickets for the movies, children’s museum, etc.

Toiletries (regular size or the travel size from hotels)

Towels & linens (new)

Underwear (new)

Vitamins (new, unopened)

Water bottles

Children’s toys should be new, unwrapped (and non-violent).

Donated items will be distributed to individuals and families without homes who

receive services at the following AHCH programs: Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, STARS (behavioral health and case management services), residential recovery programs, ArtStreet Studio and our Outreach sites throughout the community.