Your unused clothing can make a difference to those in need. This
month, Campus Ministry invites all
students, faculty and staff to participate in St. John’s
University’s Sweatshirt Run.
Throughout November, Campus Ministry will accept sweatshirts in any
size and style that are clean and in good condition. Please drop
off all donations at the department’s main office in Marillac Hall,
Room 239, or at St. Thomas More Church,
both on the Queens, NY,
campus.
Student volunteers will distribute the sweatshirts along with
sandwiches to homeless and needy persons during St. John’s Midnight
Runs, one of a variety of Vincentian Service
programs. “People sometimes think we only give sandwiches,” said
Rafael Rivera ’10C, ’14G, a Campus Minister who is coordinating the
effort. “But we also try to provide clean, warm clothing for people
we encounter on the streets.”
In September, October and April, Campus Ministry vans take students
on Midnight Runs four nights a week. During November, December,
January, February and March, volunteers spend two nights a week
distributing food and clothes on the streets. They spend the other
two nights serving meals at St. Nick’s Men’s Shelter in
Queens.
By donating sweatshirts, said Angela Seegel, Campus Minister,
members of the St. John’s community can take part in Midnight Runs
even if they are unable to go out into the streets. “You’re
supporting the students who do this work,” she explained. “You’re
giving them the opportunity to better serve those in need.”
To learn more about the Sweatshirt Run, contact Rafael Rivera in
Campus Ministry at: Ext. 3354 or riverar2@stjohns.edu. For
more information about Midnight Runs, please call the main
office:
Queens Campus
(718) 990-6255
campusministry@stjohns.edu
Staten Island Campus
(718) 390-4475
SICampusMinistry@stjohns.edu