On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Emerson Key Club will go to New York City for their annual Midnight Run. Each spring and winter, students volunteer to support the homeless who are living on the streets and in need. Key Club exists beyond Emerson; Many students are a part of this club to help their community and spread kindness across the globe!
This exciting event started with students who volunteered getting together at Emerson High School. There, they help set up whatever is needed and are offered dinner to enjoy with their peers. Although the runners who volunteer for the night are a great help, it is also important to recognize the people who contributed to making this event happen. People who donated toiletries and clothes have been an essential part. Also, hours before the run, more volunteers come to the High School to set up all the food, sort out the clothes, and get everything done to make it easier; this is called “Midnight Run Prep.”
While volunteers are at the High School, there are papers handed out to them explaining the times, destinations, precautions, and other important information they would need to know about the night. All the stations the bus stations in New York City are fast-paced. This is to move things quickly due to the time they have at each destination, which is around fifteen to twenty minutes, all depending on how many homeless people arrive.
This night is a great opportunity for people in need of clothes, food, water, toiletries, and other essentials. Many people come to these stations, and the volunteers are more than happy to help.
Michael DeOrio said, “We prepare for the Midnight Run by sorting out clothes and making food such as soups and sandwiches.”
At every stop, there is a teacher who comes and chooses a few students on the run to make rounds around the block, holding food and toiletries for those who are not able to walk over to the station, or if they are unaware they have arrived. This lets every homeless person in the area know that they are glad to help them.
Although it is a long night, with the students arriving back at the school at around two in the morning, they are willing to make the night a good time for everyone. The passion that runs through everyone’s hearts to help those in need that night is a surreal experience that everyone should feel. Help is always appreciated, especially when it comes to nights like this, and they are very grateful to have such great groups volunteering for the Winter and Spring midnight runs.
Michael DeOrio commented, “My favorite thing about Key Club is helping the less fortunate and having the ability to help others.”
Diana Tamayo added, “My favorite part of the Midnight Run is to get out of my comfort zone and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Midnight Run is not designed to solve homelessness, but it has been created to help people with things they need to survive during the weather and overall. It is great that Midnight Run is a current event because many people come together to spread kindness and help out people who are struggling.
