Photo by Ashley Cho
Members of Wings of TC, an Odyssey Angels team that tackles different issues in the community, carefully cut up old t-shirts to create angel kit bags for the homeless. Although their hands cramp from continuous snipping, they push through with the knowledge that every package will make a change in someone’s life.
“Odyssey Angels gives me a chance to not only provide the homeless with necessities but it also helps raise awareness for the homeless people,” sophomore Keith Tran said. “This is a great opportunity for us to learn about teamwork through creative problem-solving while lending a helping hand to the people in our community.”
After the community group decided to focus on the issue of homelessness, members prepared 60 angel kits for the homeless. The care packages consisted of clothing, dental kits, toiletries, water and a card for each individual.
“I’ve learned how exciting it is to work together as a group and bond with new people that have the same values as I have, which is to help the community,” sophomore Theint Lei said. “I’ve also realized the importance of our daily needs that we take for granted, and it has definitely got me thinking of more ways to continue helping people that do not have access to these necessities.”
The team hosted multiple fundraisers and a donation drive to raise money for the kits. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, they postponed the angel kit distribution for the homeless at First United Methodist Church.
“I’ve been really looking forward to helping the community in this way,” Wang said. “Especially since homeless people need our help during this crisis, I hope that we can make up for the time lost through a later distribution with the necessities in the angel kits.”