A local service project that needs some attention

We got two e-mails here at the Ramblings yesterday that reminded me of how much we care as a society, despite some reports stating otherwise. The first linked to a report that spoke of how people are not giving of themselves as much as they used to. While that may be true, the second concerned an effort being undertaken by a local company to help someone in need.It’s probably best to share the second note:

Dear friends,

I am writing to introduce Mr. David Lawson and a special project that The Carroll & Green Group is undertaking on his behalf.

David Lawson was born in 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama. David’s father traveled a lot with his job, so he was predominately raised by his mother. In 1961, David’s mother passed away, he was 12. David immediately moved to Detroit to live with his sister. In 1967 David went to Wayne State University, where he was a linebacker on the football team. He graduated in 1971 and taught Jr. High and High School in Detroit for 15 years. In 1992, his father became ill and David moved back to Birmingham to care for him. During those years, David was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. After his father’s death in 2004, the arthritis became worse and he was left in a wheelchair with no local family, friends or job in Birmingham. David was homeless. Today, he resides on the streets where he spends most of his days downtown on 5^th Avenue North (in front of our offices) and nights wherever he can find shelter. When he can, David enjoys listening to a variety of music, from Mozart to Willie Nelson. David is a devout Christian and football fan, whose faith, story and predictions he will share to anyone who will listen. ~

We are blessed with many capabilities, business contacts and friends that will enable us to provide David with permanent and humane living conditions. This is a great opportunity for each of us to apply these resources in a direction that can better a man’s life forever. That is a positive and powerful thing that will in turn better our personal and professional lives.

We have located a home in Tarrant, within (1) block of a bus stop and in a relatively safe area. Proximity to public transportation was David’s only request as he is partially immobile and uses a wheel chair to get around. We are currently assessing and calculating the extent of repairs and improvements. Attached is a preliminary list of items that we foresee as being required in order to deliver a nice finished product with minimal financial burden for David long term. The home is equipped with a sizeable front porch which David will use as his place to entertain guests. Upon completion, we will dedicate the home with a plaque displaying the names of all participants regardless of contribution.

We are scheduled to close on the home on October 6th and immediately start renovations with a move-in date by Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 23^rd) and prior to the cold winter weather. David will host Thanksgiving Dinner at his new home and offers an advance invitation to you and all other participants to enjoy some friendship, food and football in his new living room. To participate, simply send an email to [email protected] with a casual pledge of financial, personal or trade resources that will help us all have a memorable Thanksgiving Day. We will have a representative contact you soon to coordinate the delivery of your commitment.

Sincerely,
Diane Burns,
The Carroll & Green Group, Inc.

 

Diane’s hoping that people can provide at least $5 to allow for David to enjoy his Thanksgiving. Knowing people like Diane from the Jaycees and others from various organizations active throughout our community makes me wonder about the findings in this rather long report forwarded to me yesterday. Then again, we are one of the most giving communities in the country. Let’s make sure that we can demonstrate this to everyone else.

Please contact Diane via e-mail and help make this Thanksgiving an enjoyable one for David and please pass this message on to anyone that you think may be able to assist with this effort.

Enjoy the day!

Cheers.