Editorial: Many ways to help

Lagunans will have a chance to show their generosity and caring for people who have very little during the upcoming Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

This will be celebrated in Laguna Beach a week before it is officially marked by the National Coalition for the Homeless and National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness.

Traditionally marked the week before Thanksgiving, according to the group’s website, it is a nationwide effort to spread awareness and also raise funds and gather food and other donations to give immediate assistance to those who are hungry and homeless.

Some of the activities that other communities are encouraged to participate in include “One night without a home,” when volunteers spend a night sleeping outside. In Laguna, participants will be asked to give up a meal Monday and donate what they would have spent to a local organization.

It’s a good idea now to look in the closet and pull out last year’s winter coat or heavy sweater (if you don’t need it), or extra blankets, and donate them to the Relief & Resource Center. Shoes and socks are also needed; it’s a good way to clear out the clutter and help someone else keep warm as winter approaches. The footwear will be collected all day Nov. 6 at the Main Beach cobblestones.

Because this is Laguna, an art show has been organized with works contributed by homeless artists who see themselves as “Outsider Artists” because they are not part of the academic or gallery system that is so prominent here.

Outsider art is always fresh and interesting because it is created by untrained eyes with a very different perspective. The art will be on sale Thursday evening at Coast Sotheby’s, 381 Forest Ave. Imagine the thrill for a neophyte artist of having his or her work purchased for the first time! It could be life-changing. A video presentation and live music will also be part of this Art Walk night event.

The week kicks off with a Sunday event organized by the very capable hands at the Boutique Benefit, and closes Nov. 7 with a concert at the Woman’s Club. The price of admission is nonperishable food or a nonspecific monetary donation. For specifics, see page A1.