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...
My first Midnight Run really changed me a lot. It changed my whole outlook on everything about the homeless. I always knew about the homeless, but I never reached out in anyway to help. The first time I handed over a sweatshirt to a man who was shaking because he was cold, changed me immediately. It made me always want to help, in some way or form. I have been on a total of three runs and each time I go, I meet someone knew and it makes me want to go every time. You might think that handing off a sweatshirt, or a bag of lunch, could not mean anything, but to some, it is what keeps them going. It keeps them striving to, maybe one day, not be homeless anymore. On my second run, a man came running up to Mr. Wilson and myself and thanked us all. He just wanted to say that him and his wife were now off the street and he was on his way to pick up a $400 check. That story really touched me. Hearing success stories like that is the best part of each run.
ReplyDeletei never had the courage to go on a midnight run until senior year and now i regret waiting so long to step up. i'm still not sure what it was that kept me from going for the longest time, but now i am positive that it was one of the best experiences of my life. i have only been on two, but every second matters. the thing that surprised me the most was how much 9 or 10 kids can accomplish in a few hours. i am so grateful and proud that i was able to take part in midnight runs. i felt touched to help someone less fortunate than me and actually see on their face how much it means to them and how happy they are to see you. i realized that we really can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was in 8th grade i went on a "tent city" the only thing that was a little different was i had to carry my stuff around all day, it had the potental to be stolen, we had to "work" for our "money" to get food or a cot to sleep on. it really was a life changing thing, i saw just a small taste of how the homeless lived, and from that i saw it was scarey. Since i learned what the midnight runs were i was always eager to go on one. i went on my first run junior year, and it really was "life changing." i thought the tent city i went on was somewhat of an over exaggeration to get us to open our eyes to the outside world, but for them its much worse. these people really have nothing, and it is so sad, but to know that one jacket or one sandwhich or just a hello could put a smile on someone elses face really is an awesome feeling. ive gone on two runs, and after both runs i think how much are we taking for granteed, and how much more could we help?
ReplyDeleteI went on my first run not too long ago. It always struck me as something interesting to do, and for the longest of time I had wanted to but the timing or my schedule had never worked out. I met a lot of different people, and it was an all around great experience. For those people who are thinking about going on one but have never gone, I strongly recommend going, because, as Scott said, it will change your perspective on a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteI've been going on the runs for two years and now I'm a member of the core team. I look foward to every run because it has completely changed my perspective on suffering and the constant struggle of having nothing. A lot of the homeless people I've talked to are struggling with drugs and mental disorders they have not been properly treated for. The fast moving chaotic city they live in doesn't except and assist them because we live in a greedy selfish society. I don't ever want to be part of greed so that is why I have to help and be selfless. Now I appreciate all that I have and whenever I go into NYC I always bring some extra food to give to someone who needs help and hope.
ReplyDeleteMidnight Run was banging!!! I mean it was great. It was an experience I will never forget. Having the oppertunity to give to those in need was a blessing and it helped me to realize how fortunate I am. Although this was not my first time doing this kind of work, it was my first time with the school. To see thier faces brought a sadness to my heart because they reminded me of my own unfortunate family that my family and I give to weekly. Overall, all I can say is if you havent been on a run, you need to go because it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteyeah, scott, I know what you mean. being on the midnight run CORE team is probably my favorite thing that I do at p.c. cuz just knowing that I can help people is such a great feeling. I remember the first time I went on a run, a guy came over to me and a bunch of the other CORE members and just thanked us. we were "angels sent from God" as he said it. but it wasn't even about us, it was about the smiles on the faces of all those people...especially the little kids...every time you hand them just a pair of socks or even a bar of soap. i recommend that everybody go on at least one run before you leave p.c.
ReplyDeleteThe midnight run was a mind changing experience for me. It really changed me because I used to hear all about the poor all the time and I honestly never really thought about it. During the midnight run it was freezing cold and the people were extremely grateful for the smallest things such as a pair of socks. It really made me realize that I am fortunate to have a roof on my head and clothes on my back. I strongly advise everyone to join the midnight run even if it is one time. It is very touching.
ReplyDeleteI have only been on about three runs in the past four years, but it was definitely a life changing experience. At the end of each run, I always look at my life in a new perspective and really begin to understand that I am very blessed with everything I have. Seeing the way that the people were so grateful for the smallest things truly took a toll on me and reminded me that I take way too many things in my life for granted. Midnight Run was a great experience for me, and hopefully I helped those less fortunate be happy as well.
ReplyDeleteThere was a run late last year...probably the first or second run of the year. At our second stop, we did everything as usual..food, clothes, etc. but there was a man that got a little out of control and started to curse at everyone. As soon as he cursed at me, I immediately thought that he was ungrateful. But, then I stopped myself and realized this really wasn't him.
ReplyDeleteThe line "beggars can't be choosers" always seemed to pop out..as in take what you have and be grateful. But, this specific run opened up my mind to what these people really have to experience throughout their lives…that..with their experience, sometimes they can’t control themselves.
The reaction from the other homeless people was stunning. They told him to calm down and relax. They began to think this would be taken away from them.
I went to the run after that one and the reaction from the people was tremendous and the most thankful I have ever seen in my life. I remember everyone going back on the bus and I sat next to the window that night. As we were sitting on the bus taking attendance, people came up to the windows and were thanking us for everything we've done for them.
This just shows that even though a connection with the homeless is sometimes thought to not be possible, there can be one if it is allowed.
I've only done a midnight run once. And that one time I did it definitely changed my view on homelessness and poverty. It's amazing what group of 10-15 people can do when they want to fix something or help others. It's defnitely changed me and everytime I see someone homeless or in need, I think of the little things I can do to change their life. It also makes me appreciate what I have because there are a lot of people who are way more less fortunate.
ReplyDeletei've nvr personally bin on a midnite run myself but the stories i hear from numerous amounts of people allow me 2 keep my mind open 2 one day try it out and experience the same experience as my peer in my class
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