93-year-old and San Diego Veterans for Peace are on a personal Compassion Campaign
When Stan Levin encountered a homeless man in a wheelchair behind a Denny’s last month, he did what he always does. He started a conversation.
They represent San Diego Veterans for Peace, a chapter of National Veterans for Peace, and this is their personal Compassion Campaign. Santiago told him he was a vet and had joined the Army in 1982. Smiling a toothy grin, he appreciatively accepted a pair of socks, a granola bar and some hand sanitizer which, he said, repels the bedbugs.
The program started in December 2010, when member Jan Ruhman became upset by the number of unsheltered veterans he saw shivering in the cold downtown. Initially, they purchased sleeping bags for $50 at Big 5 Sporting Goods but were re-directed to the manufacturer, Coleman, where they could buy directly at a significant discount. Now they purchase 4-pound polyester sleeping bags in bulk, paying about $35 each. Coleman ships them for free.
Levin has his own approach. He engages a potential recipient in conversation. Often he starts by offering a pair of socks. “I spend about 10 or 15 minutes talking to them,” says the Korean War combat veteran who lives in Serra Mesa with his wife. Another man told them he had been homeless for four years and was waiting for his retirement to kick in. He had been trying to get off the streets. “It’s hard,” he said softly sitting mid-sidewalk with his head bowed on a raised knee. “I used to work on political campaigns for propositions,” said the former petition signature gatherer. “I don’t do drugs,” he wanted his visitors to know.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Column: NFL San Diegans: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed speed up SaintsSan Diego duo's big plays have helped New Orleans weather injuries, changes at quarterback, to score at least 24 points in five straight games
Read more »
Column: San Diego GameStop investors become Netflix, Hulu storyThe story of GameStop's whirlwind rise in price befuddled hedge fund investors, made gutsy retail day traders rich and scandalized Wall Street
Read more »
Fleet Week San Diego 2022: Honoring San Diego's Military CommunityFleet Week is back and honoring the contributions the armed services have made in the the greater San Diego community.
Read more »