Well…this is the most exciting news in some time.
It has long been a desire around 144 S. Mason to figure out ways to take the heart of Everyday Joe’s outside these walls & to then plop that heart down in someone’s lap. I’d say we do an alright job of this in Fort Collins, though there are things in the works to make Everyday Joe’s an even more noticable kind & loving presence in the Choice City. However, right now we’re talking about crossing state lines.
Everyday Joe’s is going to Missouri. Not permanently. Just for a weekend…though we hope to leave some permanent marks and sparks.
The Weiss Family
You see, a little while ago, Mr. Steve Shafer (the volunteer who orchestrated the arrival of David Bazan at Everyday Joe’s) approached me with some tour dates involving some bands we both love: The Weiss Family (a downsized version of mewithoutYou), Damien Jurado, and The Psalters. These acts are traveling the midwest together, and the closest they are coming to Colorado is the ever-wonderful Springfield, MO. With my coffee-stained index finger, I pointed at that date and said with great and good declaration, “We’re going.”
We began to talk about the trip. One thing lead to another and we decided we needed more people to go with us. We decided we needed vans. We decided that a trip involving just a wonderful concert 13 hours away would not do the trick. We decided we needed to take Everyday Joe’s to Springfield and serve some people. And so we will.
Homeless Gear is a grand, grand organization in Fort Collins that equips those living outside with gear to survive the elements and get to the next day. They do monthly distributions of gear in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Longmont. The gear is donated by manufacturers, local shops, and folks with gear to get rid of. Here it is in their words (probably better):
The mission of Homeless Gear is a simple one. Collect unwanted outdoor gear (packs, sleeping bags, etc) and re-distribute these items to the homeless. Homeless Gear intends to find a home for all unwanted outdoor gear and make the outdoors a little more like home for those without permanent shelter.
I’d have to say, with all sincerity, that Homeless Gear is dope.
The Kitchen in Springfield is another organization we think highly of. I will spare you my trying to explain what they do and cut straight to their words:
The Kitchen has been providing housing, food, and medical services to the homeless, underserved, and uninsured in the Springfield area since 1983. We are a local organization whose purpose is those in the Springfield community. All contributions are utilized for the betterment of our immediate service area. We serve a very diverse population and needs with the many programs sponsored by The Kitchen.
So, how does this all add up? A bulleted list will explain it nicely:
- Everyday Joe’s will be hosting a Homeless Gear collection drive July 27 – August 19. Bring down your unwanted gear and we’ll give it to folks in need PLUS get 10% off your order when you donate.
- On August 21st, a group of folks from Everyday Joe’s will load up a trailer and hop in a van and drive to Springfield, MO.
- The morning of August 22, we’ll set up shop in a park or at a farmer’s market in Springfield, MO. We’ll distribute the gear, give folks coffee, and do some bike repairs. We’re working with The Kitchen to determine the best location and to help spread the word amongst folks in need. Anything not distributed will be left with The Kitchen to distribute as needed.
- Saturday night, we’re going to the show. MewithoutYou and The Psalters are both passionate about helping the poor. We hope they will get behind this effort…but at the very least we’ll get to enjoy some nice music.
- Sunday we get up and drive back to Fort Collins.
As I write, I am exploding with joy. I do hope this is the first of many efforts to spread the spirit of 144 S. Mason. Please please please consider donating your old gear or some new gear. Keep in mind the current season and the seasons approaching when deciding what gear to give.
If you are interested in going, the cost is $60 and you must pay by August 4. E-mail your name and contact info to chris [at] everydayjoes [dot] org.
Thank you and good day.
love.
everyday joe’s
FURTHER:
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