On December 31, 2009, my brother, Bill was diagnosed with cancer. In less than 3 months, he was gone.
The grief was numbing…..as anyone who has lost someone close to them knows too well. In addition, my Mom was grieving the loss of a child, something no parent expects to face.
Through the grief, I was challenged to think of a way to be able for my Mom and me to think of Bill, without the sadness. One day, as I was pondering many memories of my brother, I remembered how he had such a heart for the underdog. He was a giver and would assist anyone having a difficult time.
During cold weather, he would ask Mom and me for old quilts or blankets. He would distribute them to the homeless. It was at this point God gave me the idea for Bill’s Blankets. In January of 2011, we began our first distribution for Bill’s Blankets. Bill’s birthday was in late January and that seemed like a perfect way to celebrate his birthday. The distribution of Bill’s Blankets has continued since that time with multiple distributions a year.
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What Giving Does For You
Where We Are Today
Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Our distributions consist of providing the homeless and disadvantaged with blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries, reading glasses, snacks, hats, gloves, scarfs, tarps, and other products to assist with the elements of the current season. In December of 2016 Bill’s Blankets was certified as a 501(c) (3).
Bill’s Blankets is a story of how one family chose to turn mourning into an opportunity to bless others.
A Look Inside Yourself
There are many reasons for homelessness in Knoxville. Some reasons include mental health issues, no affordable housing, job loss, underemployment, domestic violence, criminal activities, drug dependency, and many others.
What I do see is that no matter how you get to the place of homelessness, there is a spirit of thankfulness that surrounds these people. They take nothing for granted and are appreciative of every effort that is shared with them. Whether that is sharing some basic needs, sharing a smile, a hug, or otherwise letting them know they matter, they are appreciative.
While I can see the expressions of gratefulness on the faces of those we serve, the change that is everlasting is the change that happens to each one of us that volunteer. You are never the same! We are humbled to be able to serve someone, grateful you have a home to go to, and acutely aware of all that we have. The ability to make a difference in someone’s life is addictive. If you do it once, there is nothing to replace that feeling of fulfillment that happens when you take a moment, without judgment, to let another person know that you care.
Jim Miller
VOLUNTEER
Where We Are
Distribution Schedule:
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