After leaving around 8:00 in the morning, our group quickly got breakfast from a nearby Dunkin' Donuts before heading into the subway to get to our assigned location for the day. Two trains and a transfer later, we found ourselves in a more work-related part of a building connected to a decorative Church that has had history in NYC since the late 1800s. When we arrived, we found out the agenda for the day. Our job was to prepare bags of food and clothing for guests that came for their free lunch which they could bring with them to leave. Additionally, we were tasked with helping to serve the guests lunch and aid in cleaning up after. All the other volunteers and workers had enthusiastic and outgoing personalities, which created an open and social workspace. Until 11:30 we prepared bags of supplies that could be brought with the guests after they had finished their lunch. At this time, a crowd of people entered into the room where lunch would be served. Our group and another, different group of volunteers collectively prepared and handed out the lunches while others waited on guests who needed beverages or refills. Throughout the time spent serving lunch, the upbeat and social atmosphere remained unchanged. Eventually all were served, including a woman turning 98, who was given a small cake and sung to for the occasion. This proved how close the community was around there; they knew each other well, and even if they didn't, they did their best to make everyone else feel welcome. After the lunch was finished, we ate our own lunches and had time for a few minutes in Central Park before heading back to the YSOP building for dinner with the other half of our group as well as another staying at the same time as us. We prepared the dinner ourselves and for more guests that we got to talk with over the meal before returning to the church we're staying at.
- Olivia
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