We are currently planning our route for this summer's cross country road trip from New Jersey to California and back. Traveling with children ages 15, 9, and 7,on a mission to feed the homeless, learn their stories, and offer support, while enjoying quality family time and new scenery.We invite you to join us, follow along, send in your thoughts, or even come out and show your support along the way. I thought I'd take a moment to answer some of the most common questions were asked.
Here's the results:
Q- Is this your first time?
A- No. This trip will actually be our fourth feed the homeless trip. Last year was the first trip we shared publicly online. Our first one was only 3 1/2 weeks long- we went to Florida and back. The Second was 5 weeks long - we covered from Florida to New Mexico and many places in between. The third was 9 weeks long and it covered New Jersey to South Carolina going all the way west to California then back , with all over in between!
Q- How do you intend to help the homeless?
A- We'll be giving out care bags filled with ready to eat foods, granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, snacks, drinks, handwipes, and basic toiletires. We will add fresh fruit when it's available, before handing them out. The items will be packaged in a cloth drawstring bags or a reusable shopping bag. We'll also include information for local shelters in each bag.
Q- How will you learn their story?
A- I will ask them. I will give care packages regardless of if they want to share their thoughts or not. Most are willing to chat and want to express how it happened to them.
Q- How will you obtain photographs?
A- Again - I will ask permission. My goal is not to make someone feel uncomfortable, but to show kindness.
Q- How do your children feel about doing this?
A- They generally have a great time. They enjoy meeting and hearing the stories of the homeless we meet. It erases fears and prejudices they encounter, but they do sometimes get tired of being in the car. To help get around that I try to plan fun educational activities into the trip as well.
Q- Is feeding the homeless the only thing you do on your travels?
A- No. While that is our focus, we incorporate activities too. We generally stay at Wyndham Timeshares, and they always host entertainment, while offering a pool, a beach, miniature golf, tons of fun stuff. In addition I purchase, before we leave, a science museum membership for only $75 that allows us free admission into a host of museums across the country. I sometimes splurge and buy a zoo and aquarium combo membership from our local zoo, that's $95, and works like the science membership. We also seek out free activities in the towns we will be in so we can partake. Plus there's local beaches, mountains, and parks.
Q-What do you hope to accomplish?
A- Increased awareness and erase attached prejudices. I would like to create a photo documentary of our meetings and stories learned of the homeless, and assemble a hardcover book to share the collection. Complete with statistical facts throughout.
Q- How have you funded past trips?
A- I made candles, soaps, and some other crafty things and sold at a few craft shows. I started using coupons religiously to save money, then put some of it aside in an envelope. I did cleanups along the back roads in town and collected all the cans to cash in. I also asked friends and family to save their cans, and we cashed those in too. I became very frugal, so I could put money aside to fund my trip. I used Hotwire to purchase hotels super cheap on the night we needed them. I also carried my coupons with me for shopping along the way.
Q- Will donated funds be used to support your entire trip?
A- No. In no way would donated funds be used for our personal use. I would use them for creating homeless care packages, to cover part of the gas , so we can venture around more, and of course for expenses related to creating a book.
Q- Why do you stay in Wyndham Timeshares?
A- My parents gave my brother and I both points one year as a gift.Wyndham is one of the largest timeshare companies in the world and almost all of their resorts are not only stunning visually, but so comfortable to stay in with plenty of room for everyone. I say "almost" because some of the Legacy collection resorts are a little "old", but they are still super. Each resort hosts activities to make our stay more enjoyable too, plus the staff is always super nice and helpful. My loyalty has grown through the years as I learn more and experience more of the resorts. I have learned that their standards at every location is consistent- so I always know what to expect.
Q- How will sponsors be rewarded?
A-Every person who makes a contribution will be listed on our website on the page titled "Contributors".
I hope I was able to answer your questions and enable you to get a clearer understanding of this project. While feeding the homeless and learning their stories, we plan to explore museums, nature, landmarks, laughs, and trying moments, with the intent to help humanity along the way.We invite you to travel along with us! Hoping you too will be inspired for adventure and some good deeds!
We hope you'll join us online to follow our journey!
Thank you for your support,
Katie Schnorrbusch
