Friday, September 10, 2010

Bayview Mission and Help a Mother Out Provide Assistance to San Bruno Neighborhood

The following is an article written by Christine Hendrickson, a volunteer from Bayview Mission.

Hearing about and seeing the effects of the San Bruno fire was so emotional last night. All I could think of was the families and animals that were effected.  Right away I wanted to know what would help people out. I contacted Lisa Truong from HALO (Help A Mother Out) to ask if Bayview Mission could donate the diapers to San Bruno families. She replied within minutes and said "Yes!" HAMO receives diapers from Huggies, which are then distributed between organizations.

I woke up this morning and loaded up my truck with 30 boxes of size 5’s, 20 boxes of size 4’s and 15 boxes of size 6’s. Each box carries 2 packages of diapers. These boxes also include bathing soap, baby wipes, 2 crib mattresses, children’s clothing and toys. It was such an emotional feeling to know how many families this would help.

When I arrived at 251 City Park Way in San Bruno the tears hit. The street was backed up with people dropping off supplies. There was no honking or people getting upset with the traffic. There was a sense of peace that filled the area. Volunteers ranged from the local community to police officers. The news crews were interviewing people. 

I came up to the donation drop and my truck was surrounded with volunteers helping to unload my truck. I kept hearing thank you from everyone around. All I could think was no…THANK YOU!!! I heard another woman yell to other people “We have size 5’s!" My heart was so full of happiness! HAMO and Bayview Mission pulled together to help out a community in desperate need. When I pulled away from the parking lot I was in a state of pure AWE! So many people were there to do anything possible to help. Just amazing!