Chris Spicer, Team CCO and CCO Board Member, recently completed the Chicago Half Marathon. He was worked to spread homeless awareness and funds for those sheltered at CCO. Here is an excerpt from Chris’ fundraising letter:
When we think of a homeless person many of us think of the guy asking for change on the corner or maybe on the train. These are the most visibly homeless people but they are not the majority. Most of the homeless population, you probably don’t even realize are homeless when you see them. They look just like you, me and our children.
I have recently had the pleasure of being added to the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Community Outreach. In the first meeting I attended I learned that the average age of a homeless Chicagoan is 9 years old. That’s right, the majority of homeless persons in Chicago are children.
I have also been able to help out on The Birthday Party Project that comes to CCO once a month and throws a party for every child sheltered at CCO that had a birthday that month. The kids smile and laugh and enjoy the cake and ice cream as much as my kids did at their birthday parties. They take the gift that is given to them and the expressions of joy brings tears to my eyes every time I help.
Today I got home from the running the Chicago Half Marathon in time to hear the sermon at my church. It was an incredible sermon on hope.