Last Run of 2010

Tonight was our last run of the semester. Along with sandwiches, we handed out coats that were donated through the Coat Drive sponsored by the LU Softball team. These were very much appreciated; we encountered many groups of people who showed gratitude for these coats as it was one of the colder nights we’ve had this season. There were relatively few people in the usual areas of Harvard Square; however one individual pointed us in the direction of a place where we were sure to find another community of people. Once we got to the area he directed us to, we noticed that there were a lot of belongings and several people we had never met before. They also graciously accepted the coats and were eager to find out why we were out giving them away and what “religious group” we were affiliated with. They seemed to have a sense of dependability on one another; one man said his girlfriend was out to get water and he would hold the coat for her. He also mentioned that he knew of others who would want a coat, and he would be able to find owners for them. The group stuck together. When they were forced to leave the street of a different area, they worked together to bring their things to a new place where they’d be left alone. As we concluded the night, we realized we had a few more oranges left in the bag. As one of us suggested we bring the oranges to the group of people we had previously met, our entire group was enthusiastic to join. When we got back to this place, the people we had met shook our hands again and were grateful for the fruit.

I didn’t mention this earlier, but on the way to and from the sandwich deliveries, our group broke out into Holiday caroling. We were clearly all in the Holiday spirit, and even though it didn’t seem relative at the time, I can see how Lesley Delivers and the Holidays go hand in hand. Tonight was all about giving, but we weren’t the only ones to give. Before we even got to Harvard Square, people we passed would smile at us and join in on the songs we sang. We may not have given them anything, but at least we gave them the chance to smile at the end of their day. During the run, even though we handed out sandwiches and an extra layer to many people, I think we were more on the receiving end. When one group interacted with an individual who accepted a sandwich, he made a comment to make everyone in the group laugh. He was happy about this, and quietly said that as long as he made them smile, that’s all that mattered. In the other group, I gained a lot from that one brief conversation with the person in the new community. He was so grateful for us taking an hour out of our day to bring them sandwiches and coats. He really lifted my spirits by making us feel like the most important people in the world, when really, we were only doing what we knew was right. It was a great end to a very successful Lesley Delivers, and with the Holidays upon us, we really celebrated the act of giving.
-Elissa