[ Video ]

[ella_of_frell]

So...

[ Ella's been restless, thus she can be found in front of her NV in the apartment, rather than at Meg's today (since she hadn't informed her landlord she'd left yet anyhow, and some of her stuff was still there), though she's distracted with something just out of view of the video feed. ]

I'm kind of curious, but, what does the place have in the way of donation drives, or charities around here? I didn't realize what time of year it was, since when I was pulled here, it was in the middle of Spring.

But every year... while my mother was alive, we'd go door to door with things like blankets, and extra food and other things that were donated to us for those who weren't... quite as well off as others.

[ Like her family. But Ella never liked flaunting money and status, so she wasn't going to bring that up. ]

Is there anything like that here? And - if there isn't, would anyone be interested in being involved in something like that? Even if you aren't immediately involved, donating food or anything you don't want or need anymore would be a big help. I'd like to have something put together for families during the Solstice, in particular the ones in the lower sectors.

[ Native and Newcomer alike; Ella wasn't going to give anyone preferential treatment. ]

Comments

Video

[icy_heavens]

There are several such organizations, I'm sure. They usually start working more earnestly in the coming weeks.

[Like those coat drives when he first arrived here. He'd finally taken one just to make them go away. He sure as hell hadn't needed it.]

[Voice]

[gavesugar]

The Newcomer's Fund doth exist for such a purpose. All funds given are allocated directly to the charities that effect those among us the most.

Ye've settled in then?

Video

[ella_of_frell]

I'll keep an eye out for them. Or, better yet, I'll have to look into them before they start getting busy for the holidays and see what exactly they're doing.

[ He could make it into a nest for Yuki! ]

[Voice]

[ella_of_frell]

I'm looking for something a little bit more hands on than 'give us money and we'll give it to charities for the needy'.

Yes, thank you. I'm staying with a friend of mine.

Video

[icy_heavens]

Generally, there are separate ones for food, warm clothing, toys for the children

[Psh, he gave that thing away ages ago. To Maya's bitty cousin. Besides, Yuki prefers to nest on his head. Ella has witnessed this.]

[text]

[mouthbreathing]

[With the fast approach of Christmas becoming ever more obvious around the city, Warsman's been thinking about this a lot- and he jumps on an opportunity to put those thoughts into action.]

I think that would be wonderful, especially since it's so difficult to get by in the winter anyway. I'd love to help however I can.

Re: Video

[ella_of_frell]

[ True! But as an alternative -- well the kitty would probably snub it even with an alternative. ]

Food, warm clothing, toys... I think those are pretty much the major needs for them. Well... that and blankets, actually...

[ Voice forever ]

[ella_of_frell]

[ Huh - why text? Oh well. ]

I understand there are a few charities already established, although I don't think they very involved with the people - it seems to operate more on the financial aspect, donating money to the charities.

I'll be glad for the help. What's your name?

[likepaleglass]

Kind of you.

[ella_of_frell]

Oh -thank you, but I don't do it for the thanks or anything. It's just the right thing to do.

[ She pauses. ]

I don't suppose you're interested in making a donation of unneeded clothing or blankets or anything?

Video

[icy_heavens]

I'll see what I can find around the house. Won't have much in the way of clothing or blankets for warmth, as to have them in the first place would have meant that I'd needed them.

[Maybe some of Kuchiki's old things, though with Ella having returned after two months, he's not quite ready to pull the trigger on that; he hasn't been gone as long as she had been. And charity or not, Hinamori's things are Hinamori's; the thought of donating anything of hers doesn't even occur to him.]

Food is always a possibility, though.

[blondandperfect]

[Ella wasn't going to give anyone preferential treatment. Challenge Accepted!]

Well, Ella, I'm no replacement for your mother.. But family is family, yes? Perhaps I could help.

[ Video ] And the silent war begins. =.=

[ella_of_frell]

[ ... look how fast that smile vanishes, Hattie! Immediately on guard and wary, and woman you are so lucky you said you WEREN'T a replacement for her mother. She would be so offended. SO OFFENDED. ]

... you? Help?

You, help the needy?

Is this a joke? Because it's not funny.

Video

[ella_of_frell]

[ She's not sure how she would feel about accepting things like that anyway - especially if someone might come back. She'd prefer items that definitely wouldn't be reclaimed so that there wouldn't be problems with previous owners or something. ]

You have an excess of food, lately? [ A wry grin. ] In all seriousness, any small thing would be a big help, thanks.

[ Video ] *hand nears gun holster*

[blondandperfect]

[Hattie leans back, and appears to be doing her nails.]

A joke? What's that supposed to mean? I have a lot more clothes than you do. What are you planning to give, exactly, your cloak?

[ Video ] *ohshhhhhhhi-*

[ella_of_frell]

It means exactly what I said. The idea of you helping anyone but yourself is laughable.

Since when were you ever generous enough to spare belongings of yours? [ Because it's true, she DOES need donations, but was she really desperate enough to accept something from Hattie? No. Not yet at least. ]

You're up to something.

[text]

[mouthbreathing]

[Force of habit; he's probably going to have to switch some way into the conversation, but until then he's most comfortable with text.]

It does seem that way, doesn't it? Something more hands-on would definitely be better, to make sure that people are getting what they need quickly.

Warsman. You're Miss Ella? [They've spoken once before though Ella won't remember that now, and, anyway, it'd be pretty terrible if he couldn't remember Hattie's sister's name.]

[ Video ]

[ella_of_frell]

[ If he's more comfortable with text, she won't force him to use video/voice! ]

I agree. I don't want to sound like I don't trust them, but - not knowing where and how money is going to be used just doesn't sit well with me. Of course with that logic, I wouldn't be surprised if the people I've talked to for donations won't make donations for the same reason.

... I -- yes... how did - did we meet before?

[text]

[mouthbreathing]

I can understand that. The NPP seem reliable, at least; I'm sure they'd help us get together some volunteers for a serious drive. If it involves people from the community, newcomers at least might be more inclined to trust it.

We only spoke in passing a couple of months ago- I wouldn't expect you to remember. I'm a friend of your sister's.

[ Video ]

[ella_of_frell]

Do you know who's in charge of the NPP? I'll try to get in touch with them. I don't intend to help just newcomers though.

Oh, well, actually I was sent home, and only just recently returned. I don't remember anyone I knew here before. [ And that's where the friendly tone ENDS. ]

You mean stepsister.

[text]

[mouthbreathing]

[... ah. Warsman doesn't need to be told twice that this is a no-go area, and that the faster he skirts around it the better it'll be for him in the long run.

Well. For whatever definition of "better" Ella chooses to apply to the situation, given her tone.]

Stepsister. Right. I'll remember that.

The head of the NPP is a man called Raul Creed, if I remember rightly. Either one of us could contact him and see if he'd be able to help- they'd probably want to extend it outside of newcomers, too, since it would look better. [Talking shop seems a much safer bet right now.]

[ Video ]

[ella_of_frell]

[ Skirting around the topic of Hattie is a smart move, though Ella is still guarded. ]

I'll get in touch with Raul Creed, if you take a look around in the lower sectors to get an idea on the situation. Ask around for donations for the drive too, if you could. [ Just don't ask Hattie, because Ella would sooner give away her OWN things than accept anything from her. ]

[text]

[mouthbreathing]

Thank you- that would be perfect. As it happens, I live in sector 8 and patrol the general area regularly. In the worst affected parts people seem to be having enough trouble keeping their houses warm and Darkness-proofed at night that they can't really afford much else. The homeless shelters... aren't a place I'd want anyone to have to stay.

[ Video ]

[ella_of_frell]

So blankets and warm clothes would be a real priority. ... what are the homeless shelters like?

[likepaleglass]

No.

[But within the next couple of days, Ella will find a bundle of things on her doorstep. Unmarked. Everything inside is new.]