By Anita Weier
Northside News
Northsider Chris Odt has been arranging collection of items for welcome kits that would provide essentials for homeless people who will live in Occupy Madison’s very tiny houses this winter at the former Wiggie’s tavern site.
“I emailed Brenda Konkel and asked if she needed help getting welcome kits organized,” Odt explained. “I have nothing to do with Occupy Madison at all; I walked through their Eastside location once a few years ago during an open house. I read about their Wiggie’s purchase online.”
The response has been overwhelming, she said.“Brenda said they will have 28 Conestoga huts, but would take 30 kits just in case they were needed. I first sent an email to my circle of friends and got about 10 offers to make a kit. Then I posted on Nextdoor and, honestly, in less than 24 hours I had gotten about 36 offers.” She has now received promises of donations from 75 people to provide kits or items for the kits, a tremendous showing of generosity by Northside residents.
Items needed for welcome kits include pillows and pillowcases, twin bed sheet sets, mattress pads and homey items such as clocks, welcome mats or small rugs. Toiletries kits could include bus rider cards, tooth care products, hair care products, body soap, razors, feminine products, slippers, hats, gloves, ibuprophen or Tylenol, first aid kits, journals and pens or pencils, puzzles or adult coloring books.
Both types of kits should be contained in a storage tote of some sort and labeled for men, women or generic. “Add a note if you like,” Odt said. Those with questions can contact Odt at chrisodt@yahoo.com.
At press time, she was unsure where kits should be delivered, although she hopes they can eventually be delivered to Wiggie’s. In this era of COVID-19, Odt will not be using her home to collect them.
Non-perishable food items could be delivered as well, but Odt had not yet received information on specifics. She hopes to also collect items for the Wiggie’s building, which would provide a place for residents of the Conestogas to shower and cook.
Odt is retired and volunteered regularly at Second Harvest Foodbank and Goodman Community Center before the pandemic. “I figured I could help organize this from my laptop at home. I have health concerns and don’t want to get COVID,” she said.