Nearly 10 years ago, students and faculty wanted to reach out and help in some small way those who were homeless and those living in the shelter system in NYC. So they teamed up with the Bridges Outreach, Inc. in Summit which has been serving the homeless for more than 20 years (http://www.bridgesoutreach.net/). From there a bond was formed that would transform the lives of many- students began to develop relationships with those who worked for Bridges, but also with those who lived in the shelters and on the streets. Throughout the years they encountered children, teens, adults and the elderly who were in need of help.
But it wasn't just the people that they served who benefited. Very often those whom they served who shared God's love and grace with them.
Each "Run" students gather to make about 600 sandwiches, box up clothing, toiletries, blankets and coats and head off to the city from Bergen County to share a little goodness with those they meet. Students have life changing experiences working with their homeless friends. I remember the story of one student.
It was a frigid day at the beginning of December. It had to be about 10 degrees. We were at our final stop and had given out all the coats and blankets that we had. And it still wasn't enough. One of our students had disappeared behind the bus to make a phone call. He called home to ask his mom if it was okay to give the coat away that he was wearing that night. Later his mother recounted to me how this changed his life and hers. They began to view homelessness and poverty in a whole new light. It was no longer an us or them world. But a world where WE all worked together to help each other.
How has Bridge Midnight Run changed your life? Post a response...
