Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Starting Lesley Delivers back up this semester was wonderful. We had a great turn out, as it was the beginning of the semester. I really hope that everyone returns.

Tuesday's run was a pleasure. While some nights can be emotional or intense, this run was just a lot of fun. There were a lot of people over at the pit having a good time. When one young guy asked Theresa and I what type of sandwiches we were handing out, and we responded, "peanut butter and jelly," he burst into song, singing Peanut Butter Jelly Time. He and his friends started singing and dancing. I bopped my head along and laughed. It was really encouraging to see everyone staying so optimistic and having such a great time. I thought back to the time we watched members of the pit get into an argument over food and was so pleased to see they also have nights were things are just overwhelmingly good as well.

There was one women at the pit who was very passionate about a cause called StandUp For Kids (standupforkids.org) that delivers backpacks of materials to homeless in the Greater Boston area. They need to have two volunteers, not just one, she kept telling us, in order to bring backpacks to Harvard Square. They are no longer able to bring resources there, because there is only one volunteer available, which is a safety hazard - not because the homeless will intimidate the volunteers, she assured us, but because one person cannot carry two backpacks. The prejudice against homeless people there was subtle, but it made me sad to think she needed to clarify that in volunteering to help those living on the streets of Harvard Square you would not be attacked or intimidated. This was a cause she was very passionate about. She explained that they helped bring textbooks to her to help her with her disability and credited them with being the reason she was off the streets and in an apartment now.

Everyone at the pit was gracious, of course, as they usually are. One man made everyone smile as he imagined we'd bring him a full roast turkey, allowing it to soak in its juices for four days, carve it up with love, and bring him each turkey sandwich so he could deliver it to everyone he loved. The people at the pit are wonderful, and it was delightful bringing them sandwiches - although not turkey - on Tuesday.

- Alex :)