Photograph by Robert Scheer
Launching Operation Sleeping Bag are members of the Saratoga Rotary Club (from left) John Hoiness, president; Paul Kelker; Ann Marie Burger; and Fred Peterson.
By Torre Peña
With the return of cool evenings and ominous clouds threatening rain, Saratogans are reacquainting themselves with their thermostats and electric blankets. But the homeless community in the county can't rely on these basic comforts, and cold weather marks a struggle for them that lasts through the winter.
The Rotary Club of Saratoga has launched a project called "Operation Sleeping Bag" to meet the pressing need for sleeping bags among the homeless. The club kicked off the project on Nov. 15, asking citizens to donate sleeping bags that are collecting dust in attics and basements around town.
"What we're trying to do is make homeless life a little more tenable. If you had to wake up and scurry for three meals, that would be your primary goal," said Rotarian Fred Petersen. "We're trying to give them more time for rehabilitation programs and health programs."
Petersen thought of the idea for the sleeping bag drive when he attended a board meeting of the Homeless Care Force, and it was announced that there was anticipated to be a shortage of sleeping bags for the homeless this winter. A board member of the Homeless Care Force and a volunteer for the service group, Petersen decided to approach his fellow members at the Rotary Club of Saratoga with the idea.
Rotary president John Hoiness embraced the project. "There's little you can do on an individual level," he said, "but on an organized basis, we can have a big contribution. It tells the homeless that there are people who care."
The project incorporates the "Rotary gives thanks" theme that calls for a local service-oriented project on Nov. 23 for Rotarians around the world and the group's concerted effort to form partnerships with local youth groups, Hoiness said.
Driven by Petersen's networking ability, two youth service groups at Saratoga and Prospect high schools are involved. Members of Interact, the youth branch of the rotary club, will distribute information about the project and assist with collection.
"All the church youth directors are wildly enthusiastic about it," said Petersen, who contacted every youth director of every church and synagogue in Saratoga.
The need for sleeping bags arose when traditional sources dried up, said Robert Trefry, executive director of the Homeless Care Force.
"This is a new source for us, and we're optimistic about it," he said.
Operating for the past six years, the volunteer organization provides food and outreach programs for the homeless in Santa Clara County. Nobody who asks for help is refused, said Trefry.
"We deal with about 11,000 homeless people a year," he adds. "We serve about 300 meals a day and 55,000 meals a year."
Relying on community support, "Operation Sleeping Bag" uses no funding from the Rotary Club, which will give more than $80,000, raised by the annual Rotary Art Show, back to the community this year.
The collection site is located at Quito Shopping Center, next to the Backyard Pool Center. All donations are tax-deductible, and a Rotarian will be present to accept the bags. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"You can just walk in, drop it off and walk out," Petersen said.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, November 20, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved