Second helpings

Girls' Life, June, 2001

Amber Lynn Coffman, 19, and bud Candace Dold (pictured at right), 16, are Happy Helpers for the Homeless, literally. That's the name of the non-profit organization Amber founded, and Candace now runs Happy Helpers in Baltimore City. The main goal is to provide food, toiletries and compassion--and to spread the belief that if all those able would get involved, the tragedy of homelessness could be solved.

"We believe these people deserve the best, and we want them to know that," says Candace. Candace's group is made of about 40 volunteers, half adults and half teens. The group works with businesses to get food donations, such as pastries, bagels, fruit and sandwiches. Candace's church helps at holidays by donating Christmas presents, Easter eggs and candy, and Candace runs clothing and food drives to get her neighbors involved. On Sundays, the volunteers spend three hours preparing meals before transporting them downtown and serving them in abandoned parking lots. Happy Helpers also hosts annual events, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, as well as an annual birthday party "to remind the homeless how special they are. We provide presents for each person so they know it is their day to shine." Free Service Day provides free medical and dental services, and Fun Day is held for homeless kids: "We take the children out of the city, and let them get away from it all. They eat pizza, play games and run around wild--all the normal things kids usually do."