Sometimes it's the simple things...........

Sometimes it's the simple things that really count. I think at times we try too hard.

Last week, a mother brought her 6 year old daughter, wearing only a light sweatshirt, into the printshop looking for a coat that would fit her, a day before the temperatures would fall into the single digits.

A warm smile came over their faces as they waded through the mountains of clothing that for the past 2 weeks people from all over Faribault had been bringing in for the "Warm Clothing Drive". The Drive was organized for newcomers coming into the city from warm climates, little knowing how cold it can get here, or for people that don't have the means to afford warm coats, mittens, gloves or boots.

Fifteen minutes later the petite little girl, adorned in her new pink down coat, new hat, scarf and glove combination (which someone bought at the Woolen Mills for this drive) walks out the door, lighting the day with her big grin. (By the way, they came back Saturday to help set-up and work with people receiving the clothes.)

There were similar stories like that throughout the day on Saturday when over 100 people came--large families, young couples, and also older people. People came wearing light coats, sweatshirts, and no mittens, and left after browsing for an hour with warm bodies and brighter hearts.

We learned a lot about people during this drive. When Bob Kell made a flyer and put the notice in the paper, he made reference to how our Scandinavian ancestors coming from the old country in the 1800's warned family and friends planning to immigrate to Minnesota to "bring warm clothes." Minnesota winters still present challenges to new arrivals, especially those who come from climates much more moderate then ours. People brought in clothes daily for two weeks, many telling of their ancestors moving here. Some wanted to give the clothes to someone rather then sell them at a garage sale or see them being sold at a Second Hand shop. Some people who didn't have anything to bring, went out and bought new clothes just to give from their hearts.

There are many huge hearts in this town: Carol, seeing the article in the paper came in three half-days to sort and organize the clothes (She now wants to come to the Welcome Center and volunteer), Aseneth, Graciela, Greg, Hashi, Armando, Nora, Coral, Bob and myself lent a hand Saturday. And we can't forget Mario-- a teenager who helped all Saturday morning, greeting people, translating, organizing, and entertaining us with his modeling of coats and hats. All made this a wonderful project.

We can't forget to especially thank all the wonderful people who brought in the clothing with words of encouragement; the many business who gave, especially Faribault Woolen Mills who donated ten beautiful woolen blankets; the BlueCross/Blue Shield Foundation for making it possible to do this gesture, Buckham Library for letting us use their space again, and many others.

We are bombarded with negative news about the war in Iraq, immigration, social injustices etc., so it's nice to be part of something that from start to end leaves people with a light heart. We don't have to always solve the major problems. Maybe once in awhile all we have to do is put a warm coat and a smile on a little child.

Have a gentle day, Milo