St. John the Baptist, Lodi - "Blessing Backpacks" Project  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ -  

Led by Deacon Randy Knutson, congregants of St. John's were introduced to the Diocesan Backpack Project and with his leadership, a small committee was formed for this new ministry which we chose to call the "Blessing Backpacks".   

Amongst the initial few we were blessed to have Patricia Fehling, a St. John's member and a very active volunteer with the Lodi Chapter of The Salvation Army, well versed in the services and programs they offer. Pat shared her great knowledge about "the Army" and the many social services and organizations in surrounding cities that provide resources to the homeless, and those in need throughout San Joaquin County. With Pat's guidance, we identified 13 items for our backpacks that would best "assist" the homeless, yet not "enable" them. Also carefully considered were the concerns of the City of Lodi to minimize the potential for additional waste throughout the city. Therefore we chose to include: A plastic water bottle; a small microfiber towel; a heavy-duty industrial size plastic garbage bag (a waterproof layer to lie or sit down on or to even slip into); a lightweight rain poncho; a first-aid kit to go; a fleece blanket; 2 protein bars in a medium size zip-lock bag (plastic bag providing multiple uses); a pair white socks (white, socks with no dyes); another medium size zip-lock with a bar of soap and two toothbrushes (already with toothpaste on them); a travel size package of anti-bacterial hand wipes; and lastly, two small zip lock bags, one containing a Full 1 Day San Joaquin Regional Transit bus pass (transportation to/from Lodi to Stockton as many services are located there) and the other a two-sided card with San Joaquin County health and welfare resource contacts, local shelter contacts, as well as basic need resources such The Salvation Army, Lodi; Lodi Community Center; Women's Center, You/Family Services; and Pregnancy Resource Center. Believe it or not, they all fit beautifully into the backpack!

On Sunday, March 15th, 25 backpacks were blessed and handed out. That same day and within 24 hours, here are two of three stories shared.   

Hello - I wanted to share my backpack story, as we have been asked to do. I picked up my backpack yesterday at church (3/15/15), and while I was driving home, I was thinking that I was still a little uncomfortable approaching a homeless person with the pack. What would I say? How would I know who was an "appropriate" person. So, I sent up a prayer, asking God to help me with this. Amazing how fast He works sometimes!

I saw a young man with shaggy hair, jeans that were 6" too short, and questionable shoes walking south along Lower Sacramento Rd outside of Galt. I thought, 'well, he might be homeless, but I don't know'-and I kept driving home. About 2 hours later, I was at the car wash in Galt, and the same young man walked by, this time carrying cans that he had collected, definitely looking homeless this time. I said a prayer of thanksgiving to God, and apologized for not paying attention the first time!

I drove up to the young man, and said "hi". At first he put up his hands in a kind of gesture to say 'sorry'. I asked him if he was interested in having a backpack full of useful stuff, like a first aid kit, toothbrushes, poncho, etc. He said "boy I sure would!" So I handed him the backpack, and said "God bless you", and he responded "Happy Sunday" J He seemed genuinely surprised and happy.

I shared this story with some friends today at lunch. One of them called me later to say that she had seen him sitting on the grass outside the bank, with all of his worldly possessions around him, including the bright yellow pack. So I hope that it is useful to him, and I hope that I see him again in Galt. This time, I will say 'hi' again, and ask him how he is doing. As shared by Colleen Hurley.

As shared by Kelly Olds, a text from the emergency room at Lodi Memorial Hospital. "Met a self-described transient while waiting. William is a delightful and intelligent person who now has a yellow backpack. He is waiting for his turn with the doc too". (ER update on Kelly: He is bruised but no broken bones after a large, heavy gate fell on him at work).