Locations: Saint Elizabeth House & Friendship Center, South Park Inn
In doing our part to give back to the community, we have decided to continue the tradition of our weekly shelter runs with donations from the Dunkin Donuts located in Vernon, CT.
Around 8 p.m. on Friday night, 02/05/21, Abigail, Ashlei, and I (Katie) all gathered into our vehicles and headed to Dunkin to start collecting what would be given as donations on Saturday morning. As we went to package everything we were able to talk with a few lovely ladies about our business and volunteering with us throughout the month. One of the reasons behind us choosing Dunkin is because we are able to coordinate with the managers and owners but in addition, we are stopping food from going to waste. Helping better the economy has always been an additional motive in everything we do. How can we make the world we all live in a better place, besides just getting people on the streets off the streets and back on their feet, are questions we always ask ourselves. When we finished individually wrapping and putting all the treats into plastic bags, we had gathered 8 full trays of bagels, muffins, donuts, and 6 boxes of donut holes (munchkins). The total count for this shelter run was: 503 items collected (this count includes the donut holes as well). It was great to know the food that was gathered was not going to go to waste.
Day of the Shelter Run:
On Saturday 02/06/21, the first stop we made was at the South Park Inn on Main St in Hartford, where we were greeted by one of the coordinators. We were able to speak with her in regards to some of the necessities of the homeless at the current time. She informed us that they need our help now more than ever with everything going on in the world. This weekend, due to an unfortunate event we weren’t able to get any statements or stories from individuals, but we did learn more on what is needed for the community from the point of view of a staff member who experiences and sees what many need help on. We received many encouraging words and well wishes as we continue our journey in making our mission grow.
After we were off to Saint Elizabeth House and Friendship Center on Main St in Hartford as well, where we dropped off the other portion of sweet treats. We were unable to have a conversation with the coordinators working on shift, but we hope that as our events continue we can gain insights on what they believe would be a great way to further help.
Until our next shelter-run on 02/27/21, we hope to learn more and find new ways to help. Stay Safe! Stay H.O.P.E.F.U.L!
