This saying never seems to get old, especially during this time of year. "One man's trash is another man's treasure. A couple days ago, while rushing to work on my way to catch the A train. I bumped into a gentlemen who was doing some Arts and Crafts for the holiday season. I couldn't resist, I asked him why he was doing such a creative project. After talking a couple minutes to introduce ourselves, I said, "I wanted to do a featured story on you." He hesitated at first, asking me why I wanted to do a story on him. I told him I wanted to do a story to help him out with his business, because what he was doing was extremely generous and thoughtful thing. His contributing to environmental solutions was something people needed to see. After taking a few seconds to think about it, he agreed, but not before agreeing to certain terms and conditions. He told me it would be alright to use a photo of him, but he didn't want his name mentioned in the story. Its often times when we look for the most expensive gifts to show how grateful and appreciative we are to the ones we love. In a perfect world that would be awesome but such world doesn't exist. Thanks to unemployment, natural disasters such as hurricane Sandy. There are some whom are not fortunate. As I stood there watching him take regular soda cans and demonstrate to the crowd how to make candlestick holders, vases and incense holders my attention shifted over to a box next to where he was sitting. On the box it read. "All proceeds and donations go to the victims affected by hurricane Sandy." The true meaning of what it means to give sometimes goes unnoticed, but for this gentlemen this is what life is all about. First question; How long have you been doing this? "I have been doing this for 35 years, I really enjoy doing what I do, especially when you can think outside the box and give the people what want without the cost and expenses" Second question. Where do you get your materials needed to craft your candle-holders, vases and incenses? "Simple, all around me, Whatever people throw out, whether soda cans, bottles or plastic, I capitalize on every opportunity I see. I go through recycling bins or trash cans or wherever people dump trash." Last question; What made you want to take on this project? "I really want to make a difference and help those in need who are going through a difficult time right now. This is what this time of year is all about and also contributing by helping our planet can go a long way with a little creativity and a little imagination". After watching him complete a candlestick-holder out a sprite can, I thanked him for taking the time to chat with me. As I looked at my phone to see what time it was, I smiled. I thought what this world could become if more and more people thought outside the box. If you want to take a look at his display. He is located at the Port Authority Bus terminal across where you get catch the seven train. Check out his display.
