Lead, Serve, Inspire
Falcons SERVE for The Midnight Run
Albertus Magnus students SERVE each year for the Midnight Run to offer necessities to those in need.
For the past 25 years, Albertus Magnus students have participated in Midnight Run service trips to New York City and help support the mission of the Midnight Run organization:
“The Midnight Run organization is a nonprofit that coordinates over a thousand “runs” throughout the year to offer necessities to those in need. Their goal is not only to provide individuals with these goods, but to create a bond between the housed and the homeless by fostering an environment of awareness, generosity, and compassion. This organization is dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless and establishing a foundation of sharing and caring from which solutions may evolve.”
Each class participates in a Midnight Run with 12 students from each grade, accompanied by Mr. Christopher Power (Assistant Head of School), Sr. Diane McSherry O.P. '78 (Director of Campus Ministry), and three parent chaperones. Preparation for each Midnight Run includes organizing clothing and toiletry items donated by the Albertus fAMily. On the evening of the “run”, students make sandwiches and fill lunch bags with snacks, juice boxes, and bottles of water to be shared with the people who arrive at each of the four assigned stops. Before our 8:30PM departure for the city, the students pack the cars with the bags of food and toiletries, bins of clothing, and sacks filled with winter coats. In New York City, we meet several people who are waiting for us, grateful to receive the food, clothing, and hygiene items that we offer them 4 times a year.
It is a privilege for Mr. Power, the parent volunteers, and Sr. Diane to accompany the students who participate in the Midnight Run service trips and to observe their interaction with the people they encounter. We have witnessed students going out of their way to find clothing and shoes in the sizes the people are requesting. We have heard them communicating in Spanish to find out what some of the people need. We have felt pride when we have observed the respect, care, and compassion that each group of Falcons offers to the people they meet.
Anyone who has participated in a Midnight Run comes home realizing how blessed they are. Each participant gains an awareness of the plight of people who are unhoused in New York City. We remember in our prayers those who experience homelessness. We can ask God to inspire government officials, social service professionals, and other people of good will to find solutions to end the crisis of homelessness.
Here are some reflections from students who participated in this year’s Midnight Run service trips for Juniors and Seniors:
- “This year’s Midnight Run did leave me speechless as I came home and realized that I’m so lucky to have a home. It was hard to sleep that night knowing that those same people I had just met and interacted with were asleep on the ground. I am thankful that I got to partake in this life-changing experience, and I cannot wait to help those individuals struggling during my next Midnight Run.”
- “Hearing people’s stories made me realize how fast life can change.”
- “The people we met are dependent on non-profits and others to help them with their daily needs. As a group, we embodied compassion by providing support and caring for our brothers and sisters in need.”
- “I will remember my Midnight Runs during my four years at Albertus, and I am grateful for the opportunities to be part of such a great way to serve those who are vulnerable in our society.”
- “I thank God for the blessings he’s provided, and hope he sends blessings to those who just need a small push to get back on their feet in life. I pray that God sends them his love to get them through the strife that they must endure.”
- “I want people in need to know that there are good people in the world who can help them.”
- “There is a stark difference between being told of struggle and seeing struggle.”
- “I wondered, ‘How does someone go from attending a good college in Washington, DC to living on the streets of New York?’”
- “My reflection of that whole night was a new experience for me, and I feel very lucky for what I have, such as a bed and a home.”
This year, the Midnight Run service trips are:
Seniors: October 25, 2024
Juniors: November 15, 2024
Sophomores: January 24, 2025
Freshmen: February 7, 2025
Seniors: October 25, 2024
Juniors: November 15, 2024
Sophomores: January 24, 2025
Freshmen: February 7, 2025
Falcons Lead, Serve and Inspire!
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