28 March 2010

MISSION: We Wish Shoe a Merry Christmas...in March!

See those smiling faces above? That is the result of kindness in action. It's not often that I get to see the faces of the recipients of the Secret Agent L project's acts of kindness. But thanks to a new friend on Twitter, I've been given this gift.

A few weeks ago, my new friend on Twitter was at a Filipino party, where she met Tin Tin (left) and Lin-Ai (right)--two young women from the Philippines. These ladies recently arrived in the United States to apprentice for a hotel program in Ohio. Unfortunately, they didn't pass the lifeguard test, after their parents borrowed $6000 for each of the girls to get here. Thank goodness, though, they managed to get work at a Subway Sandwich Shop, right outside of Pittsburgh.


These girls arrived in the U.S. with virtually nothing but the clothes on their backs and the pair of shoes on their feet. At the party, Tin Tin and Lin-Ai mentioned that they needed shoes very badly. My Twitter friend decided then and there to put out a call for help.


I received a message on Twitter telling me about the girls and asking if there was something I could do. I then put out a call to my followers on Twitter--and answer they did.

Within a few days, I received 14 pairs of shoes from the kind souls who answered my plea: shoes from Massachusettes, shoes from Pittsburgh, shoes from Irwin, PA.

After coordinating a drop-off location, my Twitter friend was able to get the shoes to the girls a few days ago. Needless to say, Tin Tin and Lin-Ai were quite happy to receive them.





Thank you so much to those of you who were able to get the correct size of shoes to me, for being so generous with your time and resources, and for extending your hearts and hands to women you've never met. I hope the smiles on their faces will let you know how important and special you are, as well as how integral you are to kindness on this planet.

Tin Tin and Lin-Ai still need things. They are currently sharing a studio apartment, and they don't have laundry facilities (they wash their clothes in the sink and let them dry on the radiator). Here are some items they desperately need:

  • umbrellas: 2
  • waterproof raincoat: 2 (XS and S)
  • waterproof shoes, for work, they have to be totally closed (size 6 and size 7), black or brown, and waterproof boots, as they will be here until Dec. 2010 (they walk to and from work)
  • gift cards at Shop N Save (they don't have a budget for food/groceries)
  • a water pitcher
  • laundry detergent
  • bus passes
  • rice
  • extra stuff for fun, like maybe gift cards to Target, movie passes, let them tag along when you go on day trips, etc.
If you think you could provide any of these items, please leave a comment with your email address and I'll get in contact you about how to proceed. They are near the Robinson Township area. Thank you in advance for extending your hearts and hands.

Acts of kindness like these, as simple as they are, are life-changing. I hope you will open your heart to these graces. I have, and my own life has been forever changed.

Love to every single one of you,
Secret Agent L

11 comments:

EvaNadine said...

is it possible to Paypal some money over to the Agent who knows them? then they can get whatever they need...

Andrew said...

I would love to help. I have a couple items on your list.

Nate St. Pierre said...

This is the kind of one-to-one kindness that changes a life and literally changes the world. I've asked my community for help as well.

You go, L.

Jamie said...

I would love to help!!!! Can we put together goodie boxes and send them to you or their friend?
This is so awesome!!!! You Rock, SAL!!! xoxo

jamie_habermaas@yahoo.com

Arwen said...

I think you know where to find me. I have a few of those items...

Cortnee said...

I'm up for sending a goodie box! Can you let me know where to send it? indiana.minute@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I'd be happy to donate some gift cards! Let me know how!

TMC said...

I'd like to do a goodie box, too! Or I could pick them up a Target gift card or something. Maybe they might like a calling card so they can call home? Let me know! :)

Secret Agent L said...

You guys are the best! Thank you for your care and concern for these women!

EvaNadine: Yes. PayPal is a wonderful way to help. The woman who contacted me about these girls doesn't have a PayPal account, but I do--and I'd be happy to make sure the full amount of your donation gets to the girls. If you're comfortable donating on my site, please do.

Andrew and Megan: email me at secret.agent.l.in.pgh@gmail.com so I can let you know how to proceed.

Jamie, Arwen, TMC, and Cortnee: I've got your emails. Will send you a note soon.

Nate: Could we do a Love Drop for these women? Let me know.

xoxo,
S.A.L.

Tiffany said...

OMG, I think your blog is my favorite ever!!! :) I am now addicted to it after just finding it this morning thanks to Jamie at inspired mess! :) I am going to be late for work if I continue to look at all of your posts~ I would like to help these darling girls a little, email me at tiffb123@yahoo.com
Thanks for your kindness and inspiration! :)

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