The boxes of pillows, blankets and coats that filled the gazebo of West El Paso’s Madeline Park tell a story of compassion fundamental to the 6-year-old child that inspired it.
Ezme Ferris is more than meets the eye as playing on swings one moment turns into her saying why she wanted to assist the homeless in El Paso this winter in a simple and profound way: “You help people that need help.”
For the second year in a row, the Cozy Item Drive aims to provide basic things like pillows, coats and blankets to those in the midst of homelessness and shelter insecurity this holiday season. What started out in earnest when Ezme saw a man in the cold and asked if they can give something warm soon grew to the collection of over 500 items to help those in need.
“Last year, I saw a homeless man that was in a tunnel without something warm and I wanted to give him something because he needed help,” Ezme said.
Items and financial donations to Ezme’s Cozy Item Drive can be made to the Rescue Mission of El Paso located at 221 North Lee St., over the phone at 915-532-2575 or via their website.
El Paso continues generosity with cozy items
Her parents, Jaclyn and PJ Ferris, still recall with pride the generosity of El Paso as they aspire to beat last year’s total.
“Last year when we saw that this man had built a makeshift tent, (Ezme) had the idea,” Jaclyn said. “When we went back, the police had told him to take it down and she wanted to know what happened. That’s when she asked if she could give her blanket and pillow to him. Then me and PJ started to think about ways for her to get other donations for the homeless.”
A trip last year to the Rescue Mission of El Paso sparked a partnership with a simple request for a pillow by one of its temporary residents.
“As parents, we want to instill in her the value of helping other and making sure she continues that in adulthood,” Jaclyn said.
The overwhelming response by the community was a surprise that soon turned in confirmation that the Borderland is place of altruism.
“Ezme is inspiring and the work of a 6-year-old links to the generosity of El Paso. This city comes through for those in need. We hope to grow and surpass last year and make this an annual tradition,” PJ said.
Currently, an estimated 150 items have been donated this year as the drive continues throughout the holiday season. The family added their thanks to family outside of El Paso that mailed in donations, Starbucks at 533 Executive Center Blvd. for donating coffee to Saturday’s drive, National Bakery, 520 South Stanton St., for donating pan dulce and Dewey’s Corner Pub, 812 North Piedras St., for their donations.
Rescue Mission of El Paso partnership
Also on hand was Cheryl Braun, volunteer and event coordinator, and Deanna Odegaard, creative product coordinator for the Rescue Mission of El Paso. Ezme’s example of charity and outreach prompted them to present the kindergartner with a certificate of appreciation for her efforts.
“We’re a homeless shelter that provides those in need an automatic 30 day stay if needed and can stay up to a year,” Braun said. “We also provide recovery and access to nurses and counselors. This is not just a hand out, but a hand up. We hope after that, they leave in much better spot than when they arrived initially.”
While the holidays are festive for some, it underscores the need for basic items for others.
“PJ reached out and told us his daughter was passionate about helping those on the street that were cold and needed items like food and blankets,” Braun said. “So they brought a very sizable amount of items including teddy bears. So this year, he asked if he could not only donate, but have us as part of the event as well. Because of her heart, it’ll warm every aspect of how we help the community.”
While Ezme is the youngest to donate to shelter, Braun noted anyone can help with items or financial support all year.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Young El Paso girl inspires holiday Cozy Items Drive to help others
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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