We all, as individuals, can and should act compassionately and charitably. We can volunteer our time, energy, and dollars to help the underprivileged. We can feed the hungry, house the homeless. Most of us feel a moral and ethical responsibility to do so - to 'do unto others.'
It's cooling down
The temperature is consistently dropping here in San Diego, and for most of us we have started to pull out our winter attire. More and more people can be seen wearing jackets, coats, hats, and if you happen to get on a call or in a conversation with someone in San Diego, they would be quick to mention how cold it has been. The temperature dip is particularly felt in the evenings and early mornings.
A little History
Onyeka Tefari started working with those in need, specifically the homeless population in San Diego back in 2012. Onyeka started a non-profit organization named Akhawaty Incorportated. Prior to the Covid19 pandemic, events would be held weekly to provide warm food, hygiene products, and winter items to this underserved population in San Diego. Another objective of the organization was to raise awareness of the homeless situation in San Diego, and to work with others to establish solutions that would help to provide housing, and improve mental health access.
December's Charity event
One of the events Onyeka previously hosted at Akhawaty Incorporated was called "Warm Heads, Warm Hearts." At this event winter items would be distributed to those in need. While many who are outside of San Diego may not think the temperatures dip enough to warrant the use of hats, gloves, scarves, or other winter items, it does indeed get cold. Onyeka is seeking your help in reviving this event.
To this end, we are seeking your help in acquiring winter items, packaging them, and distributing the donations. For this event, we are hoping to put together at least 200 winter packages that each consist of 2 winter beanies, a pair of gloves, and 2 pairs of socks.
Get Involved
We've created an Amazon list for anyone who would like to support this cause with the purchasing of hats, scarves, or socks. If you would like to purchase and ship additional items, you can send them to:
Onyeka Tefari
5663 Balboa Ave #484
San Diego CA 92111
We will be hosting two(2) events for the Warm Head Warm Hearts Campaign. The first will be to package the items received, and the second will be to distribute the items. The first event is child friendly, so if you would like to get your child involved in a community oriented activity, please sign up for this event.
The second event will involve us distributing the items as a group walking throughout areas of downtown San Diego where we see higher populations of our neighbors in need. For this event, we will have some restrictions around who can participate.
Register for either or both events using the links below.
Event 1: Packaging Donated Items
Event 2: Distribution event
The Urgency
December is already here, and we are hoping to have all items received by December 15. Onyeka hasn't been able to secure all of the items needed for the 200 winter packages goal, so your assistance and support is greatly appreciated. Helps us get the word out, by sharing this article with your friends and family. If you can help with acquiring new winter hats, gloves, and socks, this would help us get closer to our goals.
I ordered both items to be shipped to your address, but the delivery date for the hats was not until 12/16. Thank you for organizing this. Blessings to you!