CURRAN: Clean socks and Elmo for the homeless

CLARK COUNTY — Jeffersonville’s RiverStage will be the site of a day-long celebration Saturday benefiting the local homeless population and providing fun and entertainment for all who attend.

The Clean Socks Exit 0 Benefit for the Homeless will features numerous performances, opportunities for giving and networking, special appearances and services for the homeless.

Described as “part pep-rally, part revival, part celebration and part family picnic,” the event is a joint effort between two charities: Jesus Cares at Exit 0 and Clean Socks Hope Inc. Exit 0 formed in 2008 to minister to Southern Indiana’s homeless after founder Paul Strensrud felt called to seek out those living on our community’s streets, under viaducts and in tucked-away encampments.

The group’s most visible activities are the near-daily meals served on Broadway in Jeffersonville to the homeless and others in need living in the vicinity of Exit 0 off Interstate 65. They also lead Bible studies and provide transportation to church while directing those in need to resources, advocating and raising awareness.

Clean Socks Hope Inc., focuses on fundraising for the missions and shelters that provide services and ministry to the homeless in Louisville and Southern Indiana. They hold an annual event, the Clean Socks Tour Event for the Homeless, to raise awareness and benefit Louisville’s Healing Place and other charities that deal with addiction, homelessness and poverty.

This year, they’ve merged the tour event with the family-style picnic Strensrud provides for those whom his group serves to create a “comprehensive community event.” Minton became aware of Exit O’s work during Easter service at Northside Christian Church. Minton attended with his wife, and they saw an Exit 0 presentation.

“My wife leaned over and said, ‘that’s the reason we’re here,’” Minton said. They then participated in a cleanup event with the group and have continued to support them.

Saturday’s event is really the culmination of a 23-day donation and awareness drive. The organizations’ 23 Days of Hope began Oct. 1. Donation boxes have been placed around the community to collect items such as clean socks, pocket hand warmers, snack foods and blankets as well as monetary donations to be distributed to the homeless and the organizations that serve them.

Performers including American Idol contestant Brandon Green and local band defining Ezra will take to the stage over the course of the 12-hour event. Bonkers the Clown, Dora the Explorer and Elmo will make appearances, and area churches and nonprofits that provide services to the homeless will be on hand to communicate their missions to those in need and the public in attendance and to network among one another. Special gifts and services will be given to the homeless who attend. Domino’s Pizza and Magdalena’s Restaurant & Café in Corydon are among the event’s sponsors.

Organizers are still looking for sponsors and participants. Churches and others with homeless outreach programs are still invited to set up tables to distribute information. Strensrud is particularly looking forward to churches being able to network and learn about what resources are out there.

“Every little bit helps. We [the churches and charities] are seeing a lot of the same people. If your church or organization provides resources, whether it’s clothes, food, help with bills, contact us and come on down,“ Strensrud said.

His organization represents that spirit of churches and charities working together as the work of providing regular meals is shared among several churches, and they’re always looking for more teams to be involved.

Donation boxes can be found at Coffee Crossing, Domino’s Pizza on 10th Street in Jeffersonville, Magdalena’s in Corydon, Peace Chapel General Baptist Church, Vicario’s Grill & Pizza Pub in Sellersburg and St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in downtown Jeffersonville.

Saturday’s event will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m. Food will be available, though the public may be asked to contribute a small donation. Additional donations will be accepted the day of the event.

For more information, visit cleansockshope.org, jcexit0.com or visit Exit 0 on Facebook. If you are interested in participating or contributing to the event, contact Paul Strensrud at paul@jesuscaresatexit0.info or Jeffrey Minton at jeff@cleansockshope.org

Don’t forget that you already have big plans for the following Saturday, too. The Community Rally, brainchild of illustrious columnist Lindon Dodd, will be held at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is an opportunity to discuss important issues before the election.

Bring a blanket or chair and be ready to exercise your right to free speech while listening to speakers and patriotic music. This is a rally for the people and by the people. No current office holders or candidates are invited to speak.

— Jeffersonville resident Kelley Curran wants to keep her readers out of trouble so she’s working hard to plan their Saturdays. Write her at kelinawriterhat@aol.com