It's going to be five in the evening back here before long--meaning that it's getting close to two in the afternoon out in San Diego. I wonder if Russell is still out with the kids or if they've worn him completely out and he's on his way back to his apartment to get a little rest.
I know what Russell and the kids were up to a couple of hours ago--feeding their faces at a Mexican restaurant owned and operated by a brother and sister team.
According to an earlier e-mail from Russell, this was to have been a surprise for them--and the beginning of something regular and wonderful.
You see, starting with this meal today, the owners have decided to have the kids in for a meal twice weekly!!!
This is just one shining example of community involvement in this very worthy cause.
If we had our way, there would already be safe places set up for every single kid walking in similar "shoes" to those of the ten to whom Russell has become a father figure. These ten kids (whose ages range from 9-15) only make up a fraction of all of those needing food, shelter, and comfort in the San Diego area alone.
One night, Russell and I were talking on the phone, and he was sharing how he loved to go to this one area of the city where a large number of kids had created a kind of village for themselves in a secluded woods.
He would bring them packages/containers of food and beverages that required no heating and/or refrigeration. A handful of these kids would trust both him and their surroundings enough to venture out of hiding to take enough food for themselves and several of the others who chose to remain in seclusion.
I told him that I would really like to help, and he was happy to hear that.
Upon talking to a postmaster, I found out that there are these priority mail containers that travel for a flat rate of $8.95 (plus--optional but recommended--another 65 cents in order to be able to track their progress).
These containers are designed to seal with very little--if any at all--trouble and each one can hold a large amount of items such as individual bags of munchies (e.g. potato chips, cheese curls, nacho chips); plastic bottles/cardboard boxes of ades and juices; single-serving boxes of raisins; cups of store-on-the-shelves gelatin and fruit cocktails; etc. I was also able to include a package of 51 spoons for them.
I believe that the first time I just sent one box to see how it would go over. I was happy to find out that my package got rave reviews (and the kids couldn't believe that somebody from all the way in Indiana had sent it!) and had plans to send another one or two packages on the heels of the first one.
However, a lot of other things came up to where I was unable to go on another shopping spree, so I decided that, this time around, I would send cash in a greeting card.
After all, I was wanting to send a little cash out to Russell at that time anyway--enough to get him the filet mignon steak with all of the trimmings about which he'd been dreaming ever since he had tasted his first--and last--one two or three years before. He has planned on treating himself to a steak dinner in June, but other expenses had ruled that out.
No way--if I had anything to do with it--was Russell going to miss out on that steak dinner!
So, I sent him enough money to buy such a steak dinner and said that he could use the left over money on buying the kids some snacks. Of course, I intentionally made the "left over" money a considerably larger amount than that of the steak dinner.
But I was serious at the time about Russell's being good to himself with enough of that money to purchase and enjoy his dream dinner.
I have learned--from almost six months of knowing this unique man--that he doesn't always follow directions.
However, I wasn't at all upset when he told me that he was going to use ALL of the money on taking the kids out to eat--that his steak dinner could wait awhile longer.
That's just Russell Thomas Hartsaw for you--but, as you will soon see, the very angels he planned to help insisted on giving back!!!
He had made advance arrangements with a near-by McDonald's to check the prices and see if the manager would object to his bringing in a few homeless youth to eat there.
The manager told him that he would match him dollar-for-dollar in purchases--which meant that there would be plenty for the ten kids who would be coming in to eat, plus lots to take back to the woods to both share with their friends and have more for themselves!!!
Russell and I were growing more and more excited by the minute and couldn't wait for the big day--which happened to be Fathers Day!--to arrive.
I'm going to close this chapter with Russell's own words (which also tell the wonderful story of how I went from being just a virtual wife to being a virtual mother as well--thus, the handle of Virtual Homemaker!) on this and will continue with my own in the next chapter...
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Donations to the Invisible Youth Network Food Bank, make it possible for us to feed homeless youth no matter where we find them.
And as well, more stories are possible like the one that you are about to read.
Through a generous donation from Ainsley Jo Phillips our Executive Director - Special Projects for the Invisible Youth Network and a matching donation from a local McDonalds Restaurant here in San Diego, California, I was able to take ten homeless youth to lunch on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 2:00 PM at McDonalds.
These kids range in age from 9 through 15, and are 10 out of an estimated 2.000 homeless youth walking the streets of San Diego, California alone.
There was no end to McDonalds generously to the kids. After the kids munched down on all of their favorites, the Manager gave each one a doggie bag filled with goodies to give to a friend in need. The Manager did not stop there; he gave each kid a gift card that was good for more of McDonald's favorites.
The Manager informed me that he would market the other McDonalds restaurants in Southern California on our behalf to follow suit and reach out to these kids. And will get back to me with a list.
This is not over yet by a long shot.
Many of the employees and customers were walking up to the kids and handing them money and business cards. Yes these kids were stunned as I was.
The kids got together trying to figure out a way to show their love and appreciation to Ainsley. They came up with a unique way, and I agreed to put it together and send it to Ainsley, after I wiped the tears from my eyes.
I tried to buy my own lunch, the kids would not hear of it. They insisted that they feed me, and they did. I had 10 kids giving me bites of their lunch. I may never eat again.
I applaud Ainsley, McDonalds, their staff and customers for giving
these homeless kids a day they will not soon forget.
And yes I got awarded to, never a bill at the Manager's restaurant. But how much McDonalds can you eat? Those kids broke world records
on that today.
There is a God and good people out there.
Russell T. Hartsaw
Chairman
Invisible Youth Network
Here is what the above said kids had me prepare and send to Ainsley, in a certificate format.
Certificate of Adoption
Presented to:
Ainsley Jo Phillips
Our Adopted Mother
Thank you for reaching out to us, and showing us your love. We shall pick out a star this evening and name it after you. You shall be our guiding star forever.
Your new teenage homeless family:
Betty Anne F.
Bobbie A.
Gerald S.
Jo,Jo
Little Warrior
Robin M.
Ronnie C.
Sonny W.
Survivor
Tabitha S.
You will be in our prayers and thoughts Mom.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A large percent of homeless kids leave home due to physical and sexual abuse. Our goal, intentions and mission is to make sure that they do not make this jouney alone.
Help us ... help!
Russell T. Hartsaw
Chairman
Invisible Youth Network
940 Park Boulevard, Suite 334
San Diego, California 92101
E-mail Us:
This is taken from our web site at:
www.orgsites.com/ca/youthoutreachinternational
Where their is a PayPal donaltion button located as well.
