When Wesley Chapel’s Carmen Quiles’ family received a stimulus check from the federal government, her initial reaction was — who can’t use some extra cash during a pandemic?
But then, she thought, there are others who need the money more.
She turned that generous impulse into action, packing up “Bags of Love” for the homeless — and distributing them in hot spots throughout North Tampa.
She packs sausages, cookies, crackers, peanut butter cups, sanitizers, socks, blankets, Band-Aids, ointments and more into her bags.
Quiles’ husband, Hector, a retired Navy Captain and former nurse manager of specialty clinics at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital, had no idea what his wife had in mind when he noticed various supplies being stocked in their garage.
When she outlined a plan to help the needy with their excess funds, he was delighted and supportive.
“You see the happiness and excitement in people’s eyes and that’s a feeling that’s very satisfying,’’ he said. “We’re not looking for publicity or kudos, but if it could inspire others to help or do something similar, it’s worth shining a light on this.
“You can always find people in need. Sometimes, I will be driving and see someone. I wish I had brought a bag in the car to give them. I need to start doing that,” he said.
Quiles said her idea has been greeted enthusiastically — sometimes with disbelief.
“The first time I was out, a policeman stopped me and asked, ‘What are you doing here?’” Quiles said. “I think he was concerned about safety and my husband was, too. So he comes with me.
“You see white people, Black people, Hispanic people. You see males and females, sometimes couples. You never know the circumstance or what has happened. But when you give something and it might be the only thing they eat that day, it’s an overwhelming feeling.’’
Quiles said she returned to an area where she had distributed her gift bags and she noticed a group of people were gathered around, sharing the food.
“That gave me a little tear,’’ she said.
Quiles and her husband, originally from Puerto Rico, were on active military duty for 30 years. They lived in places such as Orlando, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia during the Navy stint. Quiles did volunteer work at most of those stops and that opened her eyes.
“I was a nurse before, and I worked at free clinics and soup kitchens,’’ Quiles said. “You would see the same faces. There is great need.
“Sometimes, we tend to judge people. You don’t know their situations. Sometimes, people wind up on the streets because things happen. They might lose their jobs. It’s tough out there, especially these days. A lot of people were getting by with two jobs. Now they might not even have one. So they wind up in a situation they never expected.’’
Quiles said she has been conscious of these unfortunate situations.
She feels fortunate to offer some help.
“This makes me happy,’’ Quiles said. “There’s a lot of help that’s needed. It gives me joy if I can help to make a difference.
“I see a smile from them, even though sometimes they might not have teeth.’’
And, that fact has sparked another idea: Quiles wants to explore the potential of finding dental volunteers, who can help by providing cleaning and hygiene.
The Wesley Chapel woman would like to keep her program going, and possibly expand it, by organizing additional donations and volunteers.
If you are interested in finding out more, Quiles can be reached at .
By Joey Johnston
Published March 10, 2021
