I was very touched and moved by the idea of Angels on the Streets. When we were given and entrusted with money to touch another, I felt compelled to somehow multiply Andy and Sylvania’s efforts. So, I called up my family for suggestions and asked if they too would like to contribute. The $100 really directed me towards a mission and purpose… Not so much to find someone who was worthy of the money, but to touch lives in a way that would give hope… We gathered an additional $500. On Sunday, my family and I distributed the money to several people,

$100 was given to a low income family in central El Paso. My family said a prayer for guidance and we came to a very rundown apartment complex. There were two children that were approximately 3 and 4 years old, playing outside by a clothes-line. My daughters and I asked the children where they lived and they told us. I asked them if their parents were home, and they both ran to the apartment and called their dad. My younger daughter went to the front door and a young man opened the door. My daughter handed the dad a small envelope and told him, “This is for you.”  He took it, and said, “Thank you.” He looked at the envelope with confusion because he couldn’t tell what was in it. We left quickly and drove away. We didn’t get to see his reaction when he opened it, but that’s okay, because it was meant to be anonymous. (picture attached)

We then went to a gas station in the same neighborhood. My daughters and I gave money to two old women that were about to put gas in their cars. They each looked at us with confusion and asked, “Why?”  We told them, “Just because we want to help.” We gave them a smile and walked away.  They were in shock and said thank you.

We then drove awhile, looking to see if we could find someone at a bus station, finally we saw an older woman walking down the street. She was carrying a large box of diapers on one hand and a grocery bag in another. My husband and I went up to her and told her we would like to give her some money. She looked at us and asked “Is it for Christmas?” My husband nodded and she said, “There are good people in the world.” She then shared with us that she had just purchased diapers and wipes for her 9 year old grandson. I think he may be handicapped. She said, “Thank you very much and God bless you.” She was very grateful and almost in tears, but very joyful.

The remaining $100 was given to my mother-in-law. She knows an older couple from church that is struggling financially. She collected additional donations and gave the couple a total of $300 and clothing that were also donated.

Thank you so much for allowing my family and me to participate in this, It was an awesome and wonderful experience to give to complete strangers, and see them humbly receive the money.

-Cynthia