On Friday, April 13, it was not an unlucky night for about 75 needy people in Manhattan.  A small group of 8 students and 5 adults travelled to Manhattan on a Midnight Run to serve others.  Making 4 stops, one at the base of the Empire State Building and another at Hunter College, the group served lunches, handed out toiletries and clothing to those in need and had conversations.  The group came back with nothing left.

This service project is a total school collaboration.  Supported by Dr. Marr, lower school head, students collect toiletries and bag them up; supported by Mr. Olson, middle school head his students and families donate all of the food to make 100 hearty lunches, make the sandwiches and pack the lunches.  The upper school students collect, sort and label clothing and participate in the run.  The faculty and staff supplied many of the articles of clothing that we distributed.  Mr. Costa, business manager, supports the effort be allowing us to use the school van. This community service project could not happen unless we all pulled together to live out Goal III.

While talking about the experience on the way home, some insights shared were:  I didn’t realize people who needed us would look so much like us.  I couldn’t tell the difference just by looking.  I was surprised by how many thank you’s and God bless you’s I heard.  I realize that even homeless people have preferences and will ask for the color they want.  One person explained that a light color will get dirty quickly when you sleep on the ground. 

When asked if the girls would participate on another Midnight Run – Francesca Libassi, Shamel Guzman, Wendy Collins, Annie McDevitt, Bridgette Fucigna, Julie Goodfriend, Meg Gerli, Caroline Baccile all gave a resounding YES.

Many thanks to Mrs. Mimi Rafferty, Dr. Danielle Pagano, Mrs. Theresa Pagano and, of course, Mr. Bob Allison for helping to chaperone this service trip and to Mrs. Collins, upper school head for her support.