t-shirts by better image apparel

A few weeks ago I had an idea about designing some Rickyinc t-shirts to give to our board members and volunteers who help us fill and distribute the backpacks. I contacted an old friend, Ozzie Magalhaes of Better Image Apparel in New Bedford. I thought I could renew an old friendship and provide him with some business. I did, but the surprise was on me. After placing the order and confirming the final draft, I asked him what the final costs would be. Ozzie informed me that it would be his honor to donate these t-shirts in memory of Ricky and that he would not accept any monies for such a great cause.

On Monday Dec. 14, 2020 I met with his son and business partner Tyler Magalhaes, toured their new facility and received a box a freshly minted Rickyinc t-shirts.

I cannot thank Ozzie and Tyler enough for their generosity and kindness towards me, my family and all of the Rickyinc supporters & volunteers.

Please check out their website at http://betterimageapparel.com/

Delivering pie's and care bags to Andrew house for christmas

thinking of the clients at christmas

On Wednesday Dec. 23, 2020 Chris Giacoppo of Rickyinc delivered 6 Christmas Pie's, 28 plastic care bags for the clients in treatment and candy for the staff

Something extra

Rickyinc. wanted to do something a little different and brought pie's for the men to have at their Christmas diner. Accepting the gifts from Chris Giacoppo are the Andrew House Program Director Maritza Castillo and her associate Toni.

the new t-shirt

Chris was wearing his stylish brand new Rickyinc. t-shirt which displays our logo on the front and our RICKY mission acronym: Respecting Individuals with Care & Kindness You matter.

christmas eve street outreach in portland maine

joining forces with Maine Needs organization

nick & Virginia packing up for their big street outreach distribution

On Thursday Dec. 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve) Nick & Virginia were assisted by Dani Laliberte who not only helped to distribute the backpacks to those in need; but offered additional assistance in the future by providing essential needs materials to fill the backpacks through the generosity of Maine Needs. Many of the backpacks that will be distributed in the future through our Street Outreach Program will be done so through a cooperative joint venture between Rickyinc and Maine Needs.

nick & Virginia packing up for their big street outreach distribution

Every backpack distribution is a major undertaking so Nick & Virginia were getting ready and prepping all of the filled backpacks to be delivered on Christmas Eve. What a nice thought that someone that was homeless on Christmas eve was able to receive a backpack from a stranger on the street; and that backpack included a winter hat, winter gloves, scarf, hand-warmers, socks and many more items.

Merry Christmas to all !

local family teaches their children about holiday giving

christmas presents from the Callender family

On Friday Dec. 25, 2020 I received a visit from a local Norwood family, Grant & Kerry Callender and their 3 children Ryan (11) Eamon (10) & Sarah Grace (7). They wanted to donate materials for the homeless and to teach their children the importance of giving to those less fortunate. This is a great opportunity for the family to do something meaningful together at a time when its needed most.

hot seat cushion

christmas presents from the Callender family

One of the huge items that the Callender family donated was a Hot Spot Seat Cushion. For someone that is homeless and is on the streets, this is an invaluable item for them to have. It certainly can add a degree of comfort to an uncomfortable situation and provide some hope.

CHILDREN'S drawings of love

christmas presents from the Callender family

CHILDREN'S drawings of love

Each of the 5 bags that were donated included a drawing from the children letting the recipients know that they are cared for and loved.

This act of kindness makes a difference in someones life and shows that they are not alone and are cared about.

What a great lesson for the kids and a heart-warming experience for the recipients of these gifts.

winter NECESSITIES

care pack giving to homeless

CHILDREN'S drawings of love

Included were great items like a winter hat, winter gloves, winter socks, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, antibacterial wipes, hand warmers, a plastic Poncho and a battery operated flashlight (batteries included of course).

All of these things most people just take for granted: but someone on the street can find these items as being life-saving.

Christmas stocking treats

care pack giving to homeless

The kids decorated their own Christmas Stockings and filled them with lots of edible treats like granola bars, Graham Cookies, Pringles Chips, Cheez-It crackers and more.

Rickyinc provided the backpacks, Maine Resource Help Booklets and the Portland Street Outreach coordinator and distributor Chris Giacoppo

care pack giving to homeless

On Saturday Dec. 26, 2020 Christopher Giacoppo distributed 5 set's of filled backpacks and 5 Hot Spot Seat Cushions to homeless individuals in the uptown area of Portland Maine. Each person was extremely grateful and very much enjoyed the children's drawings.

THANK YOU to the Callender family for their compassion, thoughtfulness and kindness towards others. This is certainly one way to make a positive and much needed difference in someones life and to teach your children that they CAN make a difference if they just try.