A BIG THANK YOU from SOUTH CHURCH AND FRIENDS Midnight Run Christmas Party on the Streets 2022

Dear All, (and there are many communities included here!: Sacred Spirit Yoga community, South Church Members and Friends, First Unitarian Society of Westchester and many other friends and neighbors and supporters who have been contributing for many years), here’s a little report from our trip to Party on the Streets on Christmas Eve:

As you know, the group from Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale were the main organizers of this year’s party and they were so impressive: Hot food buffet with sterno to keep everything warm — with fabulous home-baked cookies for dessert; followed by a highly organized distribution of coats; followed by distribution of socks and toiletries, as well as the gifts prepared by our team: hats, gloves, towels and washcloths, scarves and a hearty take-away lunch bag with sandwiches, snacks, hand warmers and more. (All the bags were filled with snacks and colorfully decorated by a troop of local Girl Scouts – we added sandwiches. The drawings and the contents were much appreciated.) It was a cold 14⁰, but the little Christmas tree with lights and decorations cheered us all and there was even a bit of singing! Those great cookies were, in some cases, consumed on the spot, and in other cases, saved like special treasure to be enjoyed later.

There were a few families with young children this year – and other friend groups coming by to enjoy the party. There is much need in this world/country/city – and, for me, being able to mingle and talk with folks and share stories was a joy. I’m going to try to do more this year to help improve the chances for everyone to have a warm, safe bed and a hearty meal every day. Please know that this thank you isn’t just from me – your generosity was felt all around and there was gratitude in abundance!

You baked 500+ cookies and assorted them into gift bags
You made more than 90 sandwiches
You knitted hats (Thank you, Olga!) and you bought knitted hats as a fundraiser
You wrapped caps and towels+washcloths as gifts
You contributed more than $1500
and 6 of us went down to the city (Eric, Emma, Andrew, Bianca and Jonathan)

And it was all mixed with the special ingredients of love and caring and fun!

From me and from our friends on the streets: