Libby Bond's downsizing has grown into a way to help others.
About a year ago, she and her husband Mearl began purging their closets and cleaning out. They realized that many of the items, which were still in good, usable shape, might help someone.
As the couple began to go through various items, they decided to host some garage sales. Libby collected the money from the sales to send to Peru to build a high school. Several people learned of her efforts and word quickly spread. She held the sales almost weekly last summer.
With cooler weather approaching, however, the Bonds decided they would have to do something different.
They also knew the Harmony Street Basement Outreach Center needed some help. So the two offered to bring over some items. Mearl set up some metal shelving.
After sending $2,400 to the Peruvian effort, Libby shifted her efforts to the outreach center. She knew that construction on the Peru high school was underway and she wanted to help a local cause.
"Here is a mission right here under our nose," she said. "We have people with needs that aren't being met. We can help with that."
Many items can be useful to someone else, she said. For instance, one lady donated 11 rugs. Those rugs were extremely valuable to some people from Karen, who generally sleep on the floor as part of their culture.
The Bonds continue to offer items online and bring over goods to donate.
"Even on a fixed income, I knew there was still something I could do," she said.
"We can help whoever we come across, even if it's nothing more than to give someone a smile."
General News on 01/17/2019