In addition to the usual logistics of packing food, staging distribution stations, and preparing the area for the clients, Fr. Adam DeLeon, Preston Mahone, Mr. Barlow, and the rest of the great volunteers had extra tasks for our mega-sized team. Crews of students helped organize the storage room where dozens of bags of donated clothes are kept, helped with facilities maintenance and cleanup, clearing out overused storage areas to improve accessibility, and were generally Swiss-army-knives of utility for other side tasks that could help the team.
Most importantly, our students served prominently on the food line. They manned the various stations where local clients could collect their weekly produce, including pears, apples, cauliflower, cabbage, green beans, mushrooms, cucumbers, lettuce, and more. Our students did a great job working furiously to keep their stations supplied and to share moments with those who came to gather their food.
After distribution ended at noon, students helped the crew clean up the parking lot and registration areas. Fr. Adam told us that clean up usually takes until 1 or 1:30, but because of the extra hands and hard work, we had finished up around 12:15. Over 300 people came through the line this morning, and it was a blessing to share the time with the volunteers and clients.
We spent some time praying and reflecting on our day after a morning of grueling work. Thien shared how food is necessary to nourish the spirit but something more is needed to nourish the soul as well. Bryan was impressed with Fr. Adam's diligent hands-on work with the volunteers and clients and affirmed his ministry with the people of his community. Diego commented on the difficult mindset that some people bring to the food line and how their past or their background can put them in challenging situations.
Then we ate lunch!
Our afternoon/evening saw us split up into two teams. Mr. Masterton's squad headed to The Port Ministries while Ms. McMillan's team went to Franciscan Outreach Marquard Center for a dinner.
Today, we'll talk about The Port Ministries. This community center in the Back of the Yards neighborhood offer several ministries, including free health-care, adult education courses, a mobile bread truck to provide meals, and more. We joined in with the after-school program, which welcomes students after their school day ends to spend some time doing homework with extra help, having some snack/game time, and getting some open gym time as well.
Our students pitched in with some cleaning and carrying to help the staff tidy up - they have been stepping up their game to improve their community offerings ahead of a big open house that they hope will share their many ministries with more of their community's members.
Then, we helped some students with some enrichment activities to keep their minds sharp during spring break. And finally - we balled. Some students played catch with tennis balls and velcro mitts (YUP THEY STILL EXIST!) while others played some 3v3 with some little Jordans.
We had a lot of fun and were invited to come back for the Open House and more volunteer time by the executive director, David. Good times!
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