Alumnus comes home to raise awareness about urban poverty, and needs our help.

Don Hopkins

Former student, Don, came to talk to us about poverty and what he does in his job at St Mark's Church in Philadelphia, a progressive church in Philadelphia. First, he explained poverty and how much there is in the United States and in Philadelphia as a city. He told us that just because people are poor doesn't mean they're lazy and don't work. In fact, poor people usually work harder than most fortunate folks because they have to work two or three jobs to support themselves and their family. His mission is to help feed and give weekly groceries to as many less fortunate people as he can. On Saturdays at his church, there is an open soup kitchen from 7-9:30 AM. People can come and have unlimited servings of soup, along with other foods that switch, depending on what they have. After Don was done talking we all wrote something down that we found the most interesting or shocking.

Here are the things that each one of us wrote down. . .

Emily:
 - There's a number that you can call if you see a homeless person in extreme cold weather (code blue will take a homeless person to a shelter).
 - That poor people have to work more than one job sometimes.

Meira:
 - I appreciated that the church is trying to organize a free summer camp in a rural area for less fortunate kids so they can experience nature.
 - I was surprised that homeless people need an ID to get into a shelter and most homeless people don't have one or can't afford one.

Josh:
 - I learned how many people are in poverty, and it showed me that people need to come together and support others in the time of need, and especially help children.

Jade!:
 - I learned that once you are born into poverty its very hard to get out of it.

Iris:
 - I never thought about how the poor people have to pay more for health care.

Lucas:
 -  It stood out to me how happy someone could be to receive a turkey on Thanksgiving.



We are starting a food drive and these are the items we are looking for:
Canned Meat (chicken and tuna)
Cereal
Canned Milk
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Penut Butter
Chili
Cake Mix
Soup
Personal hygiene products
Baby food

Drop off is in the Commons through Spring Break!!!!

Crefeld Connects students with former student Don Hopkins