When Everyone is Stretched Thin, Small Acts of Dignity Matter More Than Ever

Let’s be honest with each other. If you started reading this article and felt a small knot in your stomach because yet another organization is asking for money or items, please know we see you. We are you.

Right now, the financial climate is brutal. From the cost of groceries to rent and gas, everyday families are performing a constant, exhausting calculation just to stay afloat. The idea of "extra" money or "spare" resources feels like a myth for most of us.

So we want to start by saying this: Do not put your own oxygen mask on last. If your family is in survival mode right now, we are not here to add to your pressure. Take care of your home first.

The reason we're writing this, even knowing how hard things are, is because for some of our neighbors, specifically the unhoused women in our community, the margin between "tight" and "crisis" is razor-thin, if it exists at all.

For Women's History Month, we committed to a drive to support Under My Umbrella (UMU), a local nonprofit doing incredible boots-on-the-ground work. We've decided to extend this drive through the end of April because the need isn't going away just because a calendar page turned.

We are collecting three specific new items: sports bras, underwear, and sneakers.

These aren't glamorous donations. But for a woman experiencing homelessness, a new pair of sneakers or a properly fitting bra isn't a luxury, it is dignity. It is the ability to walk into a job interview, a doctor's appointment, or a shelter intake with your head held high when you are at potentially your lowest point.

Because we know money is tight for you too, we have created multiple ways to help. Please choose what feels manageable to you right now:

• Amazon Wish List (Optional): We have a link, but you do not have to buy from Amazon. It is simply there for convenience.

  
  

• Drop Off or Pick Up: To arrange a drop-off location or to have us pick up your donation from your home, simply email us at info@mckinneydemocrats.org. We will work with you to find a time and place that works.

  
  

• Bring items to one of our monthly meetups. The next opportunity is this Friday, April   17^th at our third Friday Happy Hour at Neon Cactus in Fairview.

  
  

• Give money directly: If you would prefer to give cash or check. We will deliver it along with the items collected. Email us at info@mckinneydemocrats.org to       arrange a pick up/drop off or for our mailing address.

Whether you donate a pair of sneakers, $5, or simply share this newsletter with a friend who might be in a better position to help, thank you. And if all you can do right now is close this email and breathe a sigh of relief that no one is judging you for sitting this one out? That is fine too.

We take care of each other around here. That includes taking care of you.

In solidarity,

Erin Sutka