Midnight Run

The UU Values oblige the importance of working to improve the global community. This is a key value that we aim to instill in our Senior Seminar teens as they enter into the world as adults.

Every year, we try to work on different service projects, but one nonprofit that is a constant is Midnight Run. Midnight Run is a volunteer-based organization with a mission to bridge the gap between the housed and those experiencing homelessness. Midnight Run coordinates more than 1,000 missions per year for volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools, and other philanthropic groups to distribute food, clothing, blankets, and personal care items to those who are impoverished and/ or experiencing homelessness on the streets of New York City. We are asking for donations, volunteers to prepare food, sort clothing, and compile toiletry kits, and volunteers who would like to drive Senior Seminar teens and our young adults as they embark on a journey of kindness and giving to a community in need that is close to home. Donation bin(s) are located in the Main Lobby, and you may register to participate here. Please feel free to sign up for multiple volunteer roles if you would like! You can prep, and be a driver or runner as well!

The Details: Midnight Run will be held Friday, January 30 starting at 5:30pm in the Social Hall. We will eat dinner and assemble toiletry kits, clothing donation bags, and bagged lunches to deliver in Manhattan between 8:30pm and 1am, returning to the congregation afterwards. 

Prep Work: All ages are invited to help prepare for the Midnight Run at UUCSR by making bagged lunches, sorting clothing, and compiling toiletry kits.

Runners/Drivers: If adults are interested in going on the delivery run in Manhattan, we ask that you participate as a runner or driver. Runners should be youth in grades 9-12 or adults. Drivers must be age 25 or older.

Donations: If you would like to donate items for the Midnight Run, a list of what we need can be found below. There is a labeled donation bin in UUCSR's Main Lobby!

CLOTHING/APPAREL:

• Warm Coats - Large and Extra-Large sizes, Dark colors preferred
• Durable Pants - Large sizes preferred, Waist sizes between 32” and 48”, Blue jeans preferred over khakis, Mostly men’s sizes needed, Some women’s sizes needed
• Tube Socks - Rolled into pairs, White or Dark
• Underwear - Sizes 32 - 46, Few pairs of women’s briefs needed
• Sweaters, Sweatshirts, and Long-Sleeved Shirts - Large and Extra-Large
  sizes, Dark colors preferred, Hooded sweatshirts popular
• T-Shirts - Sizes Medium through Extra-Large in any color
• Gloves - Ski Gloves in pairs or Knit Gloves rolled together, Dark colors
• Hats - Knit and warm for the winter
• Shoes - Sizes 9 - 14, Lightly worn sneakers or athletic shoes (no spikes),
  soft-soled shoes, or work boots preferred
• Long Underwear - Large sizes, Any color
• Belts - Sizes 32 - 46
• Backpacks
• Bags - Reusable Grocery Bags, Tote Bags, Paper Bags, Plastic Bags, etc.

HYGIENE PRODUCTS:

• Soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Washcloth
• Razor
• Shaving Cream
• Deodorant
• Lip balm or moisturizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Blankets
• Towels

Please contact Jamie Walowitz, UUCSR's Youth and Adult Faith Engagement Coordinator, if you have any questions: jwalowitz@uucsr.org; 516-472-2943.