Put A Sock On It — 384 Pairs Already!

Nope, I don't know his name. Didn't listen to his story. Just dropped some coin into his cup and walked on by.

 

I mean, honestly, what the hell else can I do?

 

Okay. I'm gonna answer that one. Because a few people locally have criticized me for "exploiting" the plight of the homeless by taking their photos without taking the time to get to know them.

 

So here's what I do.

 

One evening a week, I hop on my bike with a loaf of white bread, about a pound of baloney and the same amount of kraft orange cheese slices (i don't think it's a flavor like cheddar. it's just orange rather than white).

 

I drop off the stuff at places where Pittsburgh's homeless gather...near Heinz Field...a couple old churches downtown...and a few other places.

 

And I pedal away as the guys make sandwiches.

 

Yeah, I know a few names now. But I'm not out to make new friends. And sure as hell aint' gunning for a halo.

 

But as one guy told me on Memorial Day, "you don't realize how a baloney sandwich can be a lifesaver sometimes."

 

You know, he's right. I have no idea.

 

And I hope for your sake, you don't know either.

Done