Freshmen & Parents Serve at Glide Memorial Dining Room

Marin Catholic students and parents volunteered at the Glide Memorial Dining Room in San Francisco, on Friday, December 5th 2014.
Upon their arrival, people were waiting outside to receive a well awaited and anticipated meal. Inside the dining room, MC freshmen volunteers greeted, served, and conversed with the people who came to Glide that evening for warm food, conversation and a respite from their hardships. In just a few hours, they served a large number of vulnerable members of society and offered kindness. Many of the people who came in, left that night remembering the respectful manner and smiles of the MC student volunteers. Compassion goes a long way.

Some of the images and conversations from that evening might be remembered by student volunteers for a long while too:

  • When they got their food, they were so happy to eat which was really nice to see. While I was clearing tables, I always said, "Thank you - have a good day", and I was really surprised and thankful when most of the people turned around and wished me the same, and then had a little conversation with me. I had a lot of fun. - Ben Skinner '18
  • I really enjoyed my service at Glide. While I feel like I've contributed to the community, I was deeply saddened by some of the people I met. Many of them were living with serious problems such as substance abuse. I feel bad that all I could do was serve them a meal. I was touched by some of the people. While many of them lived each day without a roof over their heads, they seemed truly grateful for what they had and the food we gave them. I was deeply upset by a young family I saw in the lobby. A dad was trying to find a place for his three young children to sleep. None of the kids were wearing jackets. In looking back, I should have given them my sweatshirt and raincoat. I've grown up so fortunate, and it was truly a humbling experience. - Alexa Barnes '18
  • I found a particular instance moving... a woman walked in and didn't request a meal, only an orange. She then proceeded to walk around the tables where others were seated, picking up everyone's orange from their plates. All of these people greeted her, and willingly allowed her to take, or willingly handed over, their oranges without question or discussion - the "needy" giving to the "needy". I most enjoyed another woman who told us many stories about her history... her piano playing, her accomplishments, and details of her family. She had been a successful, talented, and well traveled woman in her past. And while she ate that evening, she smiled and sang.  - Caroline Brockman '17
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