Donald Pennington: Profoundly Personal

With virtual handshakes, Donald Pennington's clout is rapidly rising on Associated Content, as AC content producers line up for interviews.

Now, it's Don's turn. He takes the high road in this exclusive with Herstory, sharing his most personal story behind his connection to Tucson, Arizona's non-profit organization: The Giving Tree and director/co-founder, Libby Wright.

H: Being a Tucson resident myself, I hold particular interest in your articles regarding Libby Wright. Please share how you became introduced to Libby Wright and her cause.

D: When I reached 'homeless' status in Tucson, I had not so many options. Libby and "The Giving Tree" was the only group offering someone not qualified for any 'special' programs a place to stay. Most other charities, churches, and groups just seemed to not care. But Libby did.

H: What led you to decide to support Libby Wright's cause?

D: See above and I've just seen too many cases of Libby and her team doing too much, way too early in the day, and way too late, for way too many men, women, and children to not want to give a small hand.

H: How have you continued to support The Giving Tree?

D: All I've really been able to do is the articles written about them ("An Oasis In the Desert" & "Should Helping the Homeless Deserve a Death Threat" ) and getting folks to read them.

H: If one could only support a single non-profit program for the poor and homeless in the Tucson area, what one service or part of their business makes The Giving Tree stand out over other similar programs in the Tucson area, such as The Salvation Army?

D: It was just my point-of-view that there were too many qualifications needed to get help from either the Salvation Army or the Gospel Rescue Mission. They also have way too many limitations on too many aspects for someone trying to work their way back up. It just seemed to me that the other groups in the city of Tucson were only interested in having you for perpetual clientele but not to get you completely back on your feet.

H: The Giving Tree's future home, which was to include a shelter along with other services, on 22nd and Rosemont in Tucson, burned Saturday, March 1st, 2008. Investigations point toward arson. Do you think it was a random act, or something more sinister?

D: I wasn't at all aware of that and so I probably shouldn't comment. The only shelter that I knew she was building is the one she planned on 22nd St next to the "Palm Court Inn."

H: If you were to have the opportunity to re-write the Libby Wright piece, what else would you want your readers to know about Libby Wright and the needy in Tucson, or of any town in America?

D: That's such a hugely broad question that I'll just stick with a few points: Most of the time, if someone makes you feel creepy and they're homeless then there's probably a real good reason. Steer clear anyone you're not comfortable with by all means. But there are many, so many, that are just good people who happened to have fallen upon hard times. Those are the folks, in many cases, that Libby's trying to help. In addition she wouldn't imagine leaving even 'the least of these' to starve; even if they weren't welcome in the shelter.

H: Please share contact information with your readers, so we may learn more about Libby Wright and The Giving Tree, whether for simple curious inquiry, volunteer-ism, or donation opportunities.

D:Call 520-320-5437 during normal business hours. Also see "The Giving Tree" website (at reference link).

H: Thank you for sharing your profoundly personal story of homelessness and the unique opportunities and sincerity in which Libby Wright's "The Giving Tree" serves the greater Tucson area. Your story is a testament to the program's focus, direction, and success.

D: Thank you for doing this for me and helping me get a little more of the word out for Libby. Just as soon as her permanent shelter goes up, she'll be safe, and so many more families can get the help they need.

H: Donald, you are inspirational. Thank you again for sharing so much of your own story with all of us here, and in all your publications. It's been an honor, my friend.