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In the winter of 2006, the concept for the non-profit
project: h.o.p.e.fly was born. The main goal is empowering young people to
realize their potential through the arts and helping the youth of this world
share their unique gifts and abilities. It's incredible the hidden greatness
that exists before our very eyes! All it takes is not overlooking what's right
in front of us.
That being said, our country faces a challenge right
now. Hurricane Sandy has devastated the eastern seaboard, causing tremendous
damage and displacing so many residents near coastal communities.
New York City was hit particularly hard. With winter
approaching, the cold snap bites harder as some residents are still without
heat and electricity to warm them. Worse off are the overlooked ones - the
homeless and needy - whose only access to such comfort is in the overflowing
shelters and rescue missions.
Through h.o.p.e.fly’s "warm souls" project,
I've organized several coat drives to provide a little warmth for the victims
of Hurricane Sandy. Here in Los Angeles, we've gathered almost three full boxes of
coats, jackets, and sweaters. With boxes set up in the valley at J.A.M.
(Joining All Movement Gym) and the Aaron Speiser Acting Studio in West
Hollywood, the generosity of the City of Angels has shone brightly.
With this being the sunshine state, the project beamed
down to Orange County. In Fountain Valley, we have a box posted up at Bella Vi Spa for
the locals to donate their old warm clothes. And now, we have mirrors
reflecting this light on the east coast!
Richmond, VA and Philadelphia, PA were the first east coast
cities to follow suit. In both locations, good-hearted souls are gathering items
and filling boxes for those in need in New York. The light continues to stream
upwards to Washington D.C. and the northern Virginia metro area, where locals are
also contributing to the cause.
On November 19th, I'm boarding a plane at LAX with all
the boxes we've filled up over here. Crossing the nation and landing at
Washington's Dulles airport, I've rented a van to pick up the boxes that the
northern Virginians and Richmonders have prepared. From there, I'm trekking
north with a stop in Philadelphia to pick up another box, and then…New York
bound!
Once in Manhattan, I'll be delivering all the donated
items to Catholic Charities of New York as well as The NYC Rescue Mission. The
goal is to achieve all of this before November 22nd, so that when folks leave
Thanksgiving dinner at the shelter, they'll have a warm meal in their stomachs
and warm clothes on their backs.
Here's where I need your help. I’m doing this all out of my
own pocket, and it’s adding up! From the airfare ($500), the shipping costs (at
least $25 per box), to the van rental ($400), to the gas (who knows!)…
So please spread the word out to businesses and
anyone who may be willing to toss a couple dollars toward the cause. Any
contribution will help tremendously.
Everything you are doing counts and I'll do my best to
record it so you can see how your presence in this world is truly making it a
better place.
Many thanks,
Alex Huynh
P.S. Here's some examples of what we've accomplished so far...please Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/events/557240320968531/
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| Richmond, VA |
Los Angeles, CA
