Celeste Tyner shared a story with Scott Swan. “When we were cleaning out his van after he died there was a plastic sleeping mat laid out in the back that he had been sleeping on,” said Tyner. “Since that time, I have been crocheting portable ‘plarn’ sleeping mats and donating them to our local homeless shelter here in Lafayette.”
Some days people show up at our donation door with gifts in memory of their loved ones. Grandfathers, sisters, brothers, mothers, have all been mentioned as folks have handed me donations. When we reach out to those in need, it reminds us of our humanity and the fragility of life. We are so blessed that folks donate to us in memory of their beloveds.
“You cannot lose a person, only their body, for the rest of them can be found in your heart and mind.”
It takes approximately 600 bags to make one six-foot mat. Tyner has donated 18 mats, calling it a “labor of love.” “I always tuck an envelope with a few dollars inside the mat and write For the Love of Charlie on the outside, in memory of our son,” said Tyner. “I also pray over the mat as I am working on it that the person receiving it will find a sense of comfort and security with it, and the knowledge that people do care.”Stacy’s family and loved ones do a donation drive every year to bring a little sunshine to our ladies. This year they donated 17 gorgeous purses, toiletries, smelly lotions, lip balm, socks and treats for our guests. We shared the remaining toiletries with Guest Services so the donation can benefit as many people as possible.
