Outpouring of reader support for Willie Branch Outpouring of reader support for Willie Branch (January 21, 2004)

Weekly launches fund to collect donations for former Co-op clerk now homeless

by Sue Dremann

The community has shown immense concern for Willie Branch, a homeless former Co-op Market clerk, since he was profiled in the Weekly's cover story, "Down but not Out" (Jan. 14).

Countless e-mails and phone calls from readers have showered the Weekly asking how to help the clerk who touched the lives of hundreds of people in his 30 years at the Co-op. Branch became homeless when he was unable to find and maintain steady work after the market closed.

"Due to the outpouring of concern for Willie Branch after last week's story, the Weekly is pleased to facilitate a way for community members to help him by coordinating a fund in his name," Weekly publisher Bill Johnson said. "We have heard from so many people who want to help Willie but who didn't know how to go about it, we decided to take the unusual step of setting up a fund."

Offers to help Branch ranged from buying him gift cards at his favorite gas station to furniture and a television set once he finds a place to stay. Many people wanted to coordinate with other community members in an organized effort to get Branch off the street and into a self-sustaining environment.

"Your story brought back many memories of Willie at Co-op and all the years he was such a bright spot in the midst of a chaotic and sometimes stressful experience, grocery shopping with two small boys. His homelessness has hit me hard. I just cannot believe such a thing could happen to such a vital and hard-working guy.

"Is there any way we can help?," one reader wrote.

Branch had a big impact on the lives of many, readers wrote.

"I too cried when I read the article about Willie. He was the embodiment of the Co-op spirit. Always ready to help, always upbeat. ... So many of us have been enriched by his existence," wrote one woman, who signed "Co-op #2533. God be with you Willie."

Community members may send a check in any amount, payable to "Willie Branch Fund" to the Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, 94301 and the Weekly will work with a group of willing readers and Branch to assist him, especially in trying to find transitional housing.

Readers willing to help with the effort beyond donating money should contact Amy Renalds, assistant to the publisher, at 326-8210 or arenalds@paweekly.com and she will create an e-mail list to make communication possible among those interested.

As for Branch, the 52 year-old former checker is grateful for the support.

"I thank God for my customers," he said, displaying a gift card for gas he was given. "I want to thank my customers who helped me."

Several weeks ago, Branch sat on a park bench on a damp afternoon. Despite his situation, at the time Branch expressed optimism -- a quality that touched so many people in his years at the Co-op.

"It's another beautiful day in paradise to be six feet above ground," he said. E-mail Sue Dremann at sdremann@paweekly.com

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