Satchels, supplies given to homeless

On Friday night, William Jordan said he was reminded that people do care about the homeless.

A standard blue and black backpack filled with shampoo, soap, washcloths and socks was a "blessing" to the Augusta man, who has lived at the Garden City Rescue Mission for a month. The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and Serenity, a women's charitable organization, gave out about 80 backpacks with necessities to residents at Garden City.

"I just thank them," Mr. Jordan said. "Everything they got in here we can use."

This is the second year the two groups have delivered the satchels, said J.R. Smalls, the vice president of the Buffalo Soldiers.

"We're just trying to spread some Christmas cheer and some of our good fortune onto them," he said.

Both groups plan to deliver toys on Christmas Eve to grandparents raising their grandchildren, Serenity President Pamela Perry said.

Scott Hill, who has lived at the shelter for 10 days, said his Christmas gift came right on time. His backpack recently tore apart.

"I know I'm going to use this razor and these Q-Tips," he said.

The simple gifts can be a great asset to the homeless, who often carry everything they own with them, said Lavond Reynolds, the shelter's assistant director.

"Having the backpacks will be a lot better for them than carrying around plastic bags," Mr. Reynolds said. "It makes them feel secure when they're out there."

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.