Project A.L.A.N.
Always Love A Neighbor
Always Love A Neighbor
About Us
Project A.L.A.N. was founded in December 2007. We are based in Syracuse, N.Y. It is named after my son, Alan. He was tragically murdered in his home in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec 3, 2006. During his short life here on earth, he made so many friends just by being a trusting and helpful kind of man.
During his funeral, i met many friends of his. They introduced themself to me saying, " hi my name is-- and i lived with Alan for such and such a time " Looking back, I can't recall how many arguements we have had over the years regarding friends living with him and his family. He always said to me, " mom, it'll be ok, they just need a place to stay and get themself together. It won't be long."
He would befriend strangers who were broken down on the side of the road and try to fix their vehicle. He picked up stranded animals and found them good homes. And never did he stop thinking about his two children and his fiance. His babies were his world. He is still looking out for them.
During my grief, I read so many booklets of how to survive a tragedy such as we did. One of the positive readings stated that on an occassion of celebration, donate to a charity in the loved one's name. That is when i decided on the year mark of his death, I would honor his big heart and his belief of helping others.
We came up with Project A.L.A.N. and planned to collect blankets and coats for the homeless. I wanted the first event to serve his home town, Charlotte, N.C. Over a month's time many local businesses and friends in Syracuse N.Y., Elmira N.Y., and Coxsackie N.Y. helped to collect donations. Due to the large amount of contributions, we delivered donations to six different charities in Charlotte, N.C. Our grandchildren, ( our son's children ) Destin and Sierra helped to unload the U-haul at each destination. It was an all day event for all of us.
We were overwhelmed with the abundant amount of coats, baby supplies, blankets, toiletries, etc. So much so, that we had to rent a U-Haul trailer to take everything to Charlotte. (We live in Syracuse, NY )
Again, the amount of donations were so abundant that when we returned to NY, we donated many coats to our local Men's Rescue Mission, and a family in Elmira that had suffered a devastating house fire.
The overwhelming support we recieved made me realize that Project A.L.A.N. can have many more fund raisers and donation drives for other community services. Someday, after my son's murder has been resolved i would like to have Project A.L.A.N. be a part of serving the communtiy and helping others to deal with violent crimes and the prevention of violent crimes. My son's case has not been resolved as of yet, but i do believe that it will be solved and that justice will prevail.
My committment to this project grows stronger each day. I thank everyone who has helped me put this together and keep it going. I cry each day for my son Alan, but I also grow stronger knowing we are honoring him. I am sure he is looking down and is very proud of all the work that everyone has done in his honor.
Please join us and spread the word ---------
Always Love A Neighbor ( A.L.A.N. )
love to all,
Teri
During his funeral, i met many friends of his. They introduced themself to me saying, " hi my name is-- and i lived with Alan for such and such a time " Looking back, I can't recall how many arguements we have had over the years regarding friends living with him and his family. He always said to me, " mom, it'll be ok, they just need a place to stay and get themself together. It won't be long."
He would befriend strangers who were broken down on the side of the road and try to fix their vehicle. He picked up stranded animals and found them good homes. And never did he stop thinking about his two children and his fiance. His babies were his world. He is still looking out for them.
During my grief, I read so many booklets of how to survive a tragedy such as we did. One of the positive readings stated that on an occassion of celebration, donate to a charity in the loved one's name. That is when i decided on the year mark of his death, I would honor his big heart and his belief of helping others.
We came up with Project A.L.A.N. and planned to collect blankets and coats for the homeless. I wanted the first event to serve his home town, Charlotte, N.C. Over a month's time many local businesses and friends in Syracuse N.Y., Elmira N.Y., and Coxsackie N.Y. helped to collect donations. Due to the large amount of contributions, we delivered donations to six different charities in Charlotte, N.C. Our grandchildren, ( our son's children ) Destin and Sierra helped to unload the U-haul at each destination. It was an all day event for all of us.
We were overwhelmed with the abundant amount of coats, baby supplies, blankets, toiletries, etc. So much so, that we had to rent a U-Haul trailer to take everything to Charlotte. (We live in Syracuse, NY )
Again, the amount of donations were so abundant that when we returned to NY, we donated many coats to our local Men's Rescue Mission, and a family in Elmira that had suffered a devastating house fire.
The overwhelming support we recieved made me realize that Project A.L.A.N. can have many more fund raisers and donation drives for other community services. Someday, after my son's murder has been resolved i would like to have Project A.L.A.N. be a part of serving the communtiy and helping others to deal with violent crimes and the prevention of violent crimes. My son's case has not been resolved as of yet, but i do believe that it will be solved and that justice will prevail.
My committment to this project grows stronger each day. I thank everyone who has helped me put this together and keep it going. I cry each day for my son Alan, but I also grow stronger knowing we are honoring him. I am sure he is looking down and is very proud of all the work that everyone has done in his honor.
Please join us and spread the word ---------
Always Love A Neighbor ( A.L.A.N. )
love to all,
Teri
TERRY AND TERI MAYO
Together we will overcome all that life
gives us.
