Beatrice Thompson, news and public affairs director at WBAV (101.9 FM), is asking local churches to donate umbrellas and toiletries for Charlotte’s homeless population.

Beatrice Thompson

The goal, she said, is to collect 1,000 umbrellas, which would then be distributed by the Homeless Resource Center.

Each weekend, the center feeds hundreds of homeless residents at the corner of Tenth and North Tryon streets. Local churches and organizations also distribute food there.

The umbrella drive was born when Terry Hogan Tiamd, an assessment specialist with Homeless Support Services, once pointed out to Thompson that most homeless residents are left out in the rain when they are moving through the system to get assistance.

Thompson is asking local churches to commit to 50 to 100 umbrellas — or one umbrella from each family. She said toiletries are needed as well.

“It is a simple request—the cost of an umbrella is less than $10.00—but will make a world of difference in the life of the person dealing with the elements,” Thompson said in a statement issued Thursday. “It can be one umbrella per Sunday school class…one per family…one per church organization…however you would like to gather them to be a part of the effort.”

The umbrellas will be turned over to the Resource Center on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

If your church wants to participate, email bthompson@v1019.com.

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