In our never-ending haste to make the journey home for thanksgiving, ticket in hand and nostalgia gleaming in our thoughts. time and again we put out of our minds the many that are unable to enjoy those privileges. Think fairytale blockbuster hit!The staff at KGRM 91.5FM in conjunction with The Division of Student Affairs on the campus of Grambling State University embarked on a service project at Covenant House.
The service project, held on Thanksgiving before the commencement of the Bayou Classic weekend of activities, was one that the staff anticipated with much excitement.
The word “covenant” is described by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “a formal, solemn and binding agreement”. Covenant House, open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, located in the heart of the historic city of New Orleans is a homeless shelter for at-risk and homeless youth between the ages of 16 – 21, where a solemn agreement is made to provide housing and rehabilitation.
With the help of student organizations, KGRM was able to provide Covenant House with well-needed diapers, baby food, baby bottles, undergarments and toys. Eyes lit up and excitement arose when our staff came through the doors with bags of wish list items.
Lewis Byron, Director of the Crisis Center on the compound noted that the establishment has touched the lives of over 17,000 youth.
The kids are offered medical attention, educational assistance, vocational and job training as well as counseling. At any given time Covenant House hosts close to 75 kids on its compound.
Fortunately, we were given the unique opportunity to engage in conversation and mingle with those residents that were on compound.
It was shocking to hear that we would not be bringing back photographs, except those of the bare facility due to rights to privacy. However, our memories will forever overflow with mixed emotion.
Ms. Gail, as she is affectionately called by the residents prepared the famous thanksgiving lunch. Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, gumbo and all the sandwiches one can swallow. Some of us never spend a thanksgiving holiday away from home. some of us need to!
It’s the only way we can really see the help that is needed in our very own backyard. The question is. will we continue to recognize and come to the assistance of those organizations that seek to provide for the less fortunate? Matinée at 3!