Spreading the Love...

Sophie

“The most wonderful thing happened yesterday.  It was a small thing, but a big one for me , because I felt it was a message from Dalton to "keep on keeping on".  I carry Dalton's Vision bags around in my car and I saw a man with a sign asking for help at an intersection.  When I got there, he was walking away and I had to call to him to come back so I could hand him a bag.  I handed it to him,  reminding him that there was a bus pass in the bag.  His eyes lit up and he leaned in the window to tell me that he had a job interview in a few days and had no way to get there. He slipped that bus pass in his backpack and I know that Dalton smiled at that moment. This man was part of Dalton's ripple of love that will only continue to grow. I am thankful every day that you have been so generous in sharing him and your love for him with all of us and offering us the opportunity to be a part of the never ending circle of love. Celebrate his impact today, even while I know how deeply his presence is missed.” 

Amy

“I can’t tell you how happy I was to see the “power” of a "Dalton's Vision Bag!"  Not only the joy it brought to two young homeless gentleman, but the joy it brought my husband, Chuck, knowing he was helping someone in need.  Chuck observes the girls and me taking dinners to a shelter we have attached ourselves to, and he understands the need to help others. However, to watch him interact with someone who is homeless, and find such joy in the process, was truly a gift last night!

We were driving home last night from the pool, and were sitting at an intersection that frequently has homeless men or women asking for help.  As we sat at the light, Chuck said, let’s give that man one of the Dalton’s Vision bagsy. As Chuck rolled his window, a young man quickly approached the car, took the bag very graciously, and immediately yelped with joy over the bus ticket!  His friend who was watching, realized he had received something good, and said “hey man, did you get a Golden Horseshoe?”  At that point Chuck was able to offer the second young man a Dalton’s Vision bag, which he too graciously accepted, thanking us with a HUGE smile on his face.  He immediately ran to the side of the street, sat right down, opened the bag, tore off his socks, and replaced his old socks with the new socks from the bag!  As the light turned green, and we began to drive way, the young gentlemen waved, thanking us, and three men had BIG smiles on their faces…the two young men, AND my husband, Chuck!!

What a gift this experience was on so many levels! One of my favorite things a gift something like this does is bring incredible discussions with my girls, opening their eyes and hearts to the awareness of others in need.”

Mary

“I had to share a powerful encounter and moment at the Harvest Inn last night at The Harvest Center of Charlotte! After dinner, I saw a woman open the Dalton’s Vision bag, pull out the card and begin to read the letter and about Dalton. I felt drawn to her and as I approached, I heard the woman asking about the young man on the card so I immediately stepped in to share! She told me that when she read his story, it resonated with her and her life, but said what really got her, was turning the card over and reading the letter! She repeated, “we see you and we care”, and broke down in tears. She said it is exactly what she needed to hear at that moment! She then told me that she too was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and has struggled with heroin and crack addiction. She said she came in feeling discouraged and wanting to finally end her life but then read about Dalton and said she no longer felt that way! She felt the Holy Spirit in that moment and began to feel hopeful! She said no doubt God brought her specifically to THC to save her life! She also kept saying that she could not believe that she actually got to spend time with Dalton’s mom! I was overwhelmed and cried tears of joy knowing that Dalton is still reaching out to those that are hurting and may feel like they do not matter in this world!” 

*Follow up:  The woman came into THC 2 days later, transformed, full of hope and had found a job. She told me that she no longer wanted to end her life, wants to get off the streets and is ready to do what it takes. She said she knows that God is with her and feels encouraged!!