On July 31, 2018, California State Senator Steve Glazer and White Pony Express (WPE) hosted an open house and reception at WPE’s Free General Store, where new or like-new adult clothing, and children’s clothing, toys and books are prepared for distribution—free of charge—to underserved neighborhoods.
The reception included a number of elected officials as well as individuals, businesses and organizations that have been generous in supporting the efforts of WPE.
“We are delighted to have Senator Glazer’s district reception at WPE,” said Mary Brooks on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of WPE. “In addition, we are deeply honored that the Senator has chosen White Pony Express to be the 2018 Nonprofit of the Year for his district.”
Addressing the gathering, Senator Glazer remarked “This is a celebration today. It is a celebration for each of you, personally and collectively, on what you do at White Pony Express to bring about all of the wonder that you bring to people’s lives.” Added Glazer, “What we want to do is to take the model of White Pony Express, with all of the partnerships that we have talked about and make it contagious in so many other places.”
White Pony Express, which is primarily a volunteer organization, was founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, the Spiritual Director of Sufism Reoriented.
It has two main areas of service, its Free General Store (FGS) and a Food Rescue program. FGS’ mission is to provide high quality clothing, toys, and books in a respectful, loving manner so that it can help parents provide their children with warm clothing for the winter and good books to read, or to have for themselves lovely clothing to attend church or a PTA meeting, and to feel confident in professional clothing as they interview for a new job. So far, FGS has distributed over 500,000 items, or about 10,000 per month, all free, to people who need them.
Explained Brooks, “Dr. Conner first coined the phrase that has become our tagline, ‘All of us taking care of all of us.’ And here today we have such a great representation of the fulfillment of that vision---as representatives of government, and corporations, and non-profits – donors and recipients alike, come together to celebrate the guiding principle of WPE – which is Unity. Truly, all of us, taking care of all of us.”
Concluded Senator Glazer, “It’s an amazing thing what you [WPE] do—the food distribution and the Boutiques. We need to get more people involved in experiencing the power and joy that comes from helping others.”
Here's the video of Senator Glazer's remarks.