Richard Maize: Dedicated To Awareness Campaign for Homeless

Feb. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Los Angeles --- February 4, 2011 ...... "There are such a wide variety of great organizations in the US to get involved with both in time and money donations," says Richard Maize.  

"Not only does a donor feel like they are doing the right thing by donating, there is a special reward and that is a tax deduction that you get from the donations you give.  I am blessed to be able to have a little extra to continue my donations to great causes."

Maize adds: "A couple of years ago, I stumbled (through my daughters school actually) to a location in East Los Angeles whereby a wonderful organization donates and serves dinners to the homeless 365 days a year.  The meals come from the extra food from the local restaurants that they donate to this cause."

"When I first visited this site where the homeless of LA take refuge, as I reported earlier, I started to talk to these people and learned a little about how they got on the streets.  Many people are afraid of the homeless.  Some of these people are educated and whether it is drugs or just simply bad luck, they all are in similar positions no matter what their origins were."

Maize http://www.richardmaize.co continues: "After I left there a couple of years ago, I went to a shopping area in downtown Los Angeles called “The Alley” which sells different items for less than the department stores such as sweat clothes, underwear, socks, shoes etc.  I bought 125 items each time I went to the alley and went back to this corner (often enlisted friends and family members) to give away whatever I happened to have purchased that day."

"The other day, earlier this week, I spent time with my wife going through all of our clothes in our closets and drawers clearing out all the jackets, sweaters and clothing we have and do not wear very often, if at all.  We filled up 4 large trash bags full of once very expensive articles of clothing.   I found that since this often giving is not an organized charity with a 501 certification, the money spent and articles of clothing previously given are not deductible.  The question is what do I do with these new donations I have?  Do I simply forget about the other worthwhile organizations and give it to the homeless?"  

"On one side, the other groups  are real needy people with open hands and needs while still getting the write off.  The other side is seeing first hand who gets my clothing that I once shopped for and wore at one time or another.  Seeing smiling and very appreciative people accepting these."

"I had to re-think on why I enjoyed helping and giving these and other clothes first hand," says Richard Maize.  "I thought about it and recognized that I always left that special corner where all the homeless in the area eat with a great deal of pride and good feelings.  I guess you know my decision on my recent donations.  Don’t misunderstand my thought process; I love giving and participating to many other organizations and we do.  But, when it comes to giving out clothing and food, it doesn’t get much better in my opinion."

"OK, my trunk was filled up with these closed trash bags.  However, on this night, I took my elderly parents (in their mid 80s) and my wife (much younger than that) for an early dinner.  I surprised my parents by taking them along with us to this special corner.  We ate at the Grove in Los Angeles so that our drive was limited.  I asked my parents if before we went home, if we can go and hand out some of my old clothes.  They agreed."

Maize http://www.richardmaize.com continues: "I opened my trunk and my wife and I were doing the handing out to an orderly crowd one at a time and only taking what each thought they wanted.  Some of my dress slacks and ties were not taken but all the rest were.  I had smiles from all types of people.  From the corner of my eye, I watched my father watching me and how much pride I took by talking with these mostly kind and nice homeless people.  He left with a heavy heart and called me the next day telling me that the evening was great and how touched he was by my enthusiasm and the kindness of the people receiving the help.  He asked to go with me next time.  He wanted to go through his clothing to see if he had something to give."  

"Bless his heart. One last thing, as my wife and I were going through the bags of clothes, we came across a jacket that once belonged to her deceased father.  She said, please Rich, give this to someone special.  I saw a slightly crippled man quiet and when he did speak, he was kind and well spoken.  I went to him and asked him if he wanted to have this jacket.  He tried it on and smiled at me and said, he would be honored."

"I now made up my mind, that I will go outside my one corner limit for this next week and visit other homeless in the city and try to help at homeless shelters and food stops.  I am not going over the top, just broadening this horizon for me."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation http://www.richardmaizefoundation.com is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.

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