Jim Fair
Marsha Lee, front, and Karen Moose are filling book bags for greater Greer homeless in need of necessities.
Jim Fair
Marsha Lee and Karen Moose are partnering with the Greer Police Department, Sgt. Chad Richardson and Chief Dan Reynolds, left, with their Book Bag Project. The sisters will fill the bags and Greer police will identify and provide the bags to the homeless.
The two women have reached into their pockets and hearts to launch the Book Bag Project with the Greer Police Department partnering in identifying and delivering the supplies to the homeless.
“It’s pretty extraordinary that two individuals want to get involved in this community and do something like this,” Greer Police Chief Dan Reynolds said. “Our police officers have a good reputation and the response is better with them involved.”
The sisters contacted Reynolds, on the advice of their husbands, to discuss the idea and how to safely deliver the supplies to those intended. “They called and said this was something they were thinking about and wanted to get their grandkids and families involved,” Reynolds said.
“We wanted to try it first with a few bags and see how it went,” Moose said. “We go to yard sales and Best Western and Hampton Inn provide some hygiene supplies.”
The book bags are among some items donated. A Sunday school class at Memorial United Methodist Church and family members of the sisters also provide supplies. The reusable water bottles cost an average $3.50.
Police officers patrolling likely places where the homeless frequent carry the book bags in their vehicles to distribute as the come upon an individual. “The officers will give them out to a person who has no place to go and anybody who has a need,” Reynolds said.
Kay Bischoffberger Lawrence, a former Greer resident and former leader at Greer Community Ministries, inspired the project. She is partnering with the Spartanburg Police Department to provide book bags for that community.
Want to contribute:
Bring any of these items to the Greer Police Department at 102 S. Main Street.
• Storage: book bags, zip lock bags
• Protection: poncho, tarp
• Comfort: fleece blanket
• Food and utensils: crackers (peanut butter and cheese crackers), non-perishable meat with pop top, pudding pop top baked beans or vegetable, plastic utensils, reusable water bottle.
• Hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, wipes, deodorant, hand sanitizers, razor, soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, band aids, wash cloth, hand towel.
• Clothing: T-shirt, ball cap (or wool caps, gloves), socks
Call the Greer PD at 864-848-2194 for more information.