This past summer, the youth ministry of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church went on a Bridges Run. Several teenagers, a few adults, and myself went to New York City to serve the homeless.

The first stop we made was at Battery Park, and was very hectic and overwhelming. When I was passing out lunches, there were people grabbing them from the bag I was holding. At first, I was afraid, but then I felt like I was making a difference, and happy to help. Many of the homeless people were asking me if they could have the plastic bag that held all the lunches. A plastic grocery bag—a thing we throw away was the thing they all were asking for. I learned that some people are very fortunate to be able to have the things they have. It made me more thankful and aware of the things I have, and the things I probably do not deserve.

When I was under the Brooklyn Bridge giving out clothes, I saw that on the other side of the street there were happy people strolling along the river. The side I was on was filled with people begging and struggling for food, clothes, and toiletries. The experience made me appreciate the things I have and gave me a better understanding on how other less fortunate people struggle with the daily necessities of life.