MUNCIE, Ind. - There were a lot more people than usual on the John F Kennedy Bridge of Character in Anderson. That’s because volunteers were hanging donated coats, free for anyone, all across the blue walking bridge.
The volunteers were a part of The Blue Bridge Project, organized by Turn Away No Longer Inc., a faith-based non-profit focusing on improving the lives of children in foster care.
Tracy Walters founded the organization five years ago. She says it’s “soul-changing” to help those in need.
“You know, we have a lot of generous community members, not just in our community, but throughout other communities as well, that want to get involved, but they don't know how. So, I always say, if you never volunteer anywhere, come to hang a coat,” Walters said.
Walters says that the biggest gaps in the foster system are coming from state cuts, saying, “It would be nice in a perfect world if our state would stop cutting foster care services and money to foster families, daycare, clothing allowances, let them apply for food stamps for foster kids.”
Volunteers also gave out drinks, cookies, winter hats and gloves. The project also served other people in need.
One volunteer, Brian, is all too familiar with the feeling. He was previously unhoused and suffered from drug addiction.
“A lot of people, what I've encountered, don't understand the homeless and the fact they just look at them that they just look at them and you know, don't want to help them and things like that, but yet, they need help no matter what,” Brian said.
Brian has been sober for nearly three years. He says that organizations like these are important to the community, and he plans to continue to volunteer and help.
“…I'm very blessed and happy to be a part of something like this today and this ain't the last time that I'm going to be helping. I’m going to help out as much as I can,” Brian said.
It takes a village to help a child, and it may also help a city and a system.
Contact Daniel Huber with comments at daniel.huber@bsu.edu.
