Got the Goals? Midnight Run Sure Does

If one can imagine an experience that encapsulates all five of Sacred Heart’s Goals, Midnight Run might be it. An independent organization, Midnight Run is a longstanding program that coordinates with outside volunteers to distribute food, clothing, blankets, and personal care items to those living on the streets of New York City. The name derives from the late-night meet-ups between volunteers and homeless individuals. Midnight Run is clear about not being a solution to end homelessness, but rather, they are an organization with a mission to build trust and understanding between people in different circumstances. In fact, Midnight Run believes that the exchange of fellowship is far more valuable than the sharing of clothing, food, and toiletries. Their goal is to help volunteers see homeless men and women as real people and to spark connections that help volunteers grow in compassion and love for humanity. 

On Friday, December 9th, Sacred Heart Greenwich participated in the first Midnight Run of this school year. It was truly a cross-divisional collaboration, bringing together students in the Middle and Upper School with a shared purpose. Seventh grade students donated food, assembled meals, and wrote personal cards. Later that evening, a group of Upper School students, along with faculty chaperones, traveled into Manhattan where they distributed over fifty meals. 

Kerry Bader, Director of Mission Integration, coordinates Midnight Run at Sacred Heart. She says, “Midnight Run provides our students with powerful and direct interaction with men and women who struggle to find stable housing. On a cold night like last Friday, it’s particularly impactful to meet people whose home is on the streets and provide them with food to stay warm and nourished.” 

Senior, Lauren Drummey, leads Midnight Run, alongside Kelly Haggerty ’23. Lauren shared, “It is necessary to support people in need because the impoverished community does not have the same experience that we do. I see a difference that our efforts make. By being able to connect and talk with people who normally get no recognition, and by sharing my life, even in the smallest way, I know that I might make someone’s day. This human exchange is far more important than the mere exchange of goods.”