10 on the 10th - Have you heard of Sharia's Closet?

Hello friends - I am honored and humbled to share this special San Diego non-profit's story with you. I found out about Sharia's Closet (www.shariascloset.org) and met its founder, the incomparable Shamine Linton, in June at the ribbon-cutting for North County's Family Justice Center, One Safe Place (www.onesafeplacenorth.org), which is helping to fill a gap in crucial services for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and child abuse in North San Diego County. While touring the 44,000 foot facility, I walked into Sharia's Closet which provides free emergency clothing to individuals and families experiencing crisis.

In one sentence, when I walked into this beautiful space, I felt the love and intentionality. I felt the dignity and I was completely blown away. I had never in my 46 years seen love expressed so purely as by this woman and her family.?

In the past 10 weeks, I have learned that they received nearly ~50 emergency clothing requests daily from individuals and the 90+ community organizations that they serve (including NAMI, Vista Hill, etc.). Finley and I have volunteered multiple times onsite in El Cajon and we've begun to coordinate gently-used clothing and shoes from our neighbors and friends. But it is not enough. The need is great during these economic times and we are called to help our neighbors. It is unfathomable and unacceptable to me that there is someone who lives less than 10 minutes from you who needs underwear (and the love that is delivered in the purple bags!)

I visited all 3 of the locations and have met the employees and volunteers who make this operation run and right now, the need is great which is why we would like your help.

I have committed to supporting this cause 5 hours week until I am 50 (if you are doing the math, that is 1,000 hours). Someone once asked me, where do you choose to spend your time, talent and treasure and I'll show you who you are...

On September 8th, San Diego Gives is holding its 2nd "San Diego Gives" Day and Sharia's Closet is one of the 334 SD-based non-profits selected to participate this year. This is VERY exciting because it raises awareness for the amazing work they are doing across our county AND it raises much needed funds and high-quality clothes donations for our neighbors in need.

Would you please consider:

1) Donating 10 items from your closet (or anyone in your home's closet) on the 10th of each month to Sharia's Closet for the next 10 months?

And/or...

2) Pledge a $10 donation each month for 10 months (or a one-time $100 donation)

Together, we can make a difference. Our goal for this campaign is to have 100 people participate/donate by 10/10.

If you are in San Diego, you can DM or text me and I will happily come to your porch and pick up your donations. I volunteer onsite in San Marcos each Friday 9am-2pm.

If you are interested in creating your own "10 of 10" in your network or at your place of business, church, etc., please let me know and I can drop off a purple collection box for you and will also come pick it up monthly.

We are currently most in need of men's casual clothing and gently-worn shoes - all sizes. During this back to school time, there are young men in our community who we can help dress with dignity.

Thank you so much!