TantorGives! Walk to End Homelessness

By Deborah Fleet, Audio Proofreader (MLIS)

As a kid, I remember pouting when not getting my way, tying up some cookies, and small toys in an old bandana and tying it to a long stick, pretending to be a hobo and “running away.” I played outside a long time, then when I wanted to go back in the house, my mother had locked me out.

“I thought you were running away?” my mother said.

“I was just playing.” I said.

She unlocked the door, and let me come back home.

For many, the door is closed. Homeless people are standing outside the door, and most often, nobody is letting them in. Locally, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center is opening the door for those who need it most. TantorGives! is partnering with them to help stamp out local homelessness, and lend a helping hand.

The mission of TantorGives! is to provide opportunities to give back to the community through fun, charitable initiatives, and to foster a spirit of teamwork and volunteerism among Tantor employees. Last year we held bake sales, gathered school supplies, and holiday gifts for needy children, supported individual causes and joined many other events.

Team Tantor is comprised of employees and family members who join together for various causes. This time, it is to fight homelessness. We invite you to join Team Tantor at the 9th annual Walk to End Homelessness on Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m. in New London. The walk benefits the New London Homeless Hospitality Center. Last year, the event had 250 walkers and raised more than $9,000. It’s a 2-mile walk over easy terrain. Consider joining us at Team Tantor, and help raise funds for this important cause.

Follow this link to support Team Tantor and the 9th annual Walk to End Homelessness 2016.

Homelessness touches more lives than we care to admit, perhaps even more personally than we care to admit. How many times have you been between jobs? Homes? Relying on a relative or a friend? Unsure of your future? Compassion and help is needed. While living in the Pittsburgh area, my minister-husband had many opportunities for outreach. Sometimes it was as simple as bringing a couple dozen sandwiches and soft drinks and handing them out on the streets to the homeless. Other times it was offering odd jobs in return for help, or meals.

One way to self educate yourself about a topic is to read or listen to a book about it. Here are some wonderful books on my to-read list with great stories that will uplift and enlighten your mind and heart, sparking compassionate living.

Angel in Aisle 3: The True Story of a Mysterious Vagrant, a Convicted Bank Executive, and the Unlikely Friendship That Saved Both Their Lives
Authors Kevin West with Frederick Edwards
Narrated by Gary Galone