Tag Archives: Washington

Day 173: Margaret

Several of my letters this year have been about my involvement with Street Sense, a nonprofit here in Washington, DC that gives men and women experiencing homelessness economic opportunities through their media center. It’s a beautiful organization, empowering people and giving them much-needed income through producing and selling a newspaper, photography, film, theater, audio storytelling, blogging, etc.

At the core of this organization is a very small dedicated staff of four. They’re supported by a group of amazing volunteers and board members. I serve as secretary of the board which is led by today’s recipient. Margaret works tirelessly to increase the impact that the organization has on the community.

Tonight she hosted a happy hour for her birthday to raise money and awareness for the organization. We met at Penn Social, surrounded by corn hole, giant connect four, ping pong and other games.

I learned that being president of the board of directors was not Margaret’s only leadership dream in life. When she was in high school she dreamed of being president of the United States. In fact, I’m told that there were even cards made up saying MARGARET 2016!

While it seems another woman is garnering all the attention for the upcoming presidential race, Margaret might just make a run at the 2020 election, or maybe go back and be governor of her home state of West Virginia. Either way, she’s got my vote and my 173rd letter.

Day 173

Happy Birthday Margaret!

I’m honored to be a part of your special day. Thank you for everything you do for Street Sense. I want you to know how much I appreciate your enthusiasm, optimism and leadership. 

You’re a Rock Star!
Reed

 

Day 150: Rev. Charles

Rev. Randolph C. Charles at The Church of the Epiphany. Photo: epiphanydc.org

Rev. Randolph C. Charles at The Church of the Epiphany. Photo: epiphanydc.org

Street Sense, an organization that I’ve supported for many years, has been housed at The Church of the Epiphany on G Street in downtown Washington for as long as I can remember. The staff is extraordinarily welcoming and kind to the staff and the many men and women who sell the Street Sense newspaper.

I learned yesterday that Rev. Charles, who has skillfully led the church for many years, is retiring. I’ve only met him briefly, but his kindness and compassion toward the organization has touched the hearts of so many and I thought I would send him a note to thank him and wish him well.

Day 150

 

Dear Rev. Charles,

Yesterday I learned that you were retiring from your position as pastor at Church of the Epiphany. I’ve been on the Board of Directors of Street Sense for 3 years and appreciate very much everything that the church and you personally have done for the organization. Your warm, welcoming spirit has touched the hearts of many of the men and women experiencing homelessness that are involved with Street Sense. As a pastor, you recognize the importance of community, fellowship and establishing a home – the Church of the Epiphany has been a home to all of us who visit. Street Sense would not be able to do the work that it does and help so many people find their way home without the leadership and friendship you have provided to so many. Thank you! On behalf of Brian Carome, our staff, vendors, volunteers and fellow Board members, I thank you and wish you well in all of your future endeavors. May our paths continue to cross.

With great appreciation,
Reed Sandridge
Street Sense Board Member

 

Day 134: Danny Glover

photo: apwu.org

photo: apwu.org

So this one is just crazy.

So earlier today I got a text message from my friend Nicole saying:

“Hey, if you’re home and have some free time, would you like to drive Danny Glover from my office to the Hill?”

I happened to be home and didn’t have any more calls/meetings for the day and rarely have opportunities to drive around famous actors in my car, so I said sure. Well, not exactly. I called her to remind her that my 2000 Jetta is not exactly easy on the eyes and today it was decorated with a vulgar amount of pollen. I hear Nicole take the phone away from her mouth, “He says is car is not very clean,” she tells him. Mr. Glover said he didn’t care.

She would later tell me how kind and down to earth he is. I didn’t find that out for myself because I got caught in a rare 4pm traffic jam. Even thought it didn’t happen, it still made my day.

Day 134

I wrote this letter on stationery that Nicole gave to me earlier this year to help support the Year of Letters project.

Dear Mr. Glover,

Our paths nearly crossed today when my friend Nicole called me to ask if I was free and able to drive you over to Capitol Hill – unfortunately I got stuck in traffic and got there about two minutes after you took a cab.

I would have loved the opportunity to meet you. Not only because I’m a fan of you and several of your movies, but also because I understand you are here to support postal workers across the country and I stand with you on that. I’ve embarked on a year-long commitment to send a handwritten letter to someone every day – you’re day 134! I’ve noticed that letters are now taking much longer to arrive – sometimes several weeks for domestic mail which is ludicrous.

Day 134-2The men and women mail carriers that I know are wonderful, hardworking people. Tomorrow’s letter, Day 135, is to Postmaster General Megan Brennan telling her that I stand with the postal workers!

Thanks for all that you do for so many great organizations. Maybe I’ll see you the next time you’re in town.

Reed

P.S. It’s probably best you took a cab – the outside of my car was covered by an embarrassingly thick layer of pollen.

Day 126: Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op

Photo: Jane Cave

Photo: Jane Cave

I serve on the Board of Directors of Street Sense – a media group in DC whose mission it is to elevate voices on the issue of homelessness while giving economic opportunities to the men and women in DC experiencing homelessness.

Last week they had the premier of Cinema From The Street – a collection of films produced by the Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op. Led by local filmmaker Bryan Bello, the group not only shared their stories but learned the ins and outs of filmmaking. The films were terrific – and if you are in DC you’ll want to mark August 26th on your calendar when they release the next group of their films.

To learn more about the Filmmakers Co-op or buy tickets to the August event, click here.

Day 126

Dear members of the Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op, 

Day 126-2Congratulations on your first film screening! And while I enjoyed all three films, I’m arguably more moved by the larger impact of your work. I look forward to seeing how you take the knowledge of what you are learning in the Co-op and apply it in new and creative ways.

Thank you for sharing your stories, I look forward to seeing you at the next screening on August 26th.

-Reed Sandridge

Day 125: Anonymous letter left at Washington, D.C. Trader Joe’s

I placed the letter under a package of the sinfully delicious TJ's ice cream sandwiches.

I placed the letter under a package of the sinfully delicious TJ’s ice cream sandwiches.

Trader Joe’s is a strange but wonderful grocery store. On one hand, I get frustrated with them due to their limited selection. But just when I’m starting to take my business elsewhere I find some really awesome product. Or one of their quirky employees will make my day. I think that’s really what wins me over, the people. They actually seem happy there.

I left an anonymous letter with a five dollar bill at the Trader Joe’s in the West End neighborhood of DC today. I placed it under a box of Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are amazing and a crew member there once told me that they saved her marriage on more than one occasion. Ok, so that might be a stretch, but I figured if they could bring some happiness to someone, I’d like to make that happen.

By the way, if you’re a fan of TJ’s, check out my letter on Day 31 to Trader Joe’s CEO Dan Bane.

Day 125

Hey there!

I see you are checking out the Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. They’re delicious and appropriately named. I bought them the first time on a recommendation from a TJ’s team member who said that they had saved her marriage – more than once! They’re on me today. Enjoy.