The Homeless Look Great In Mink

With money pouring in to Tsunami relief efforts faster than many agencies can spend it, some have urged would-be givers to remember the plight of needy elsewhere. For the homeless in frigid U.S. cities and abroad, the long winter has just begun–and some organizations have come up with creative ways to help. By Jeninne Lee–St. John

LUXURY DUDS

After decades of guilting the rich out of their mink coats and fox stoles, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is taking furs turned in to the group and donating them to the homeless in several U.S. cities, as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan.

BULLWINKLE: THE OTHER RED MEAT

Hunters are also helping, if inadvertently. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials have given food pantries more than 1,000 lbs. of meat from moose and deer shot illegally this season.

IF YOU TEACH A MAN TO SURF …

A Dallas man who lived under a bridge and had no computer skills got help from an online facilitator to post on eBay a plate he says his great-aunt took from the Titanic. It sold for $10,000.

WALKING ADS

Homeless men in Amsterdam now have corporate sponsors: they’re sporting winter jackets with ad space to raise money for local nuns who aid the needy. Ice creamer Ben & Jerry’s bit first, giving more than $20,000 to put its logo on the coats.