Meeting People at Glide

People need to know that they can always go to Glide for free food and they will be welcomed there. My favorite part of the day was when I was busing tables at breakfast. I met a lot of people. I made a difference today by not letting people go hungry. Now that I have been to Glide I will acknowledge how there are so many home and food insecure people in the world. I will hopefully volunteer and donate money to charity organizations related to helping less fortunate people.

~ Jay

Ordinary People Give

I learned that the people at Glide aren't all homeless, actually half of them have a home, they just can't afford to pay for food and housing. Everybody needs to know that Glide is mostly sustained by ordinary people donating money. My favorite part of the day was during Food Prep, when we were making the sandwiches because we were all talking and having fun together. I made a difference today by making sure that someone went home with a full stomach, instead of an empty one. I want to continue to volunteer at organizations like Glide or the Food Bank, and help people who are food insecure to become food secure.

~ Henry

GLIDE Opens Doors

While serving at Glide I learned that so many people, not just homeless people, are not food secure. Everyone needs to know that Glide opens doors in your personal life and also in you mantle state. You learn that a lot of people are less fortunate and helping others just lets you see these people. My favorite part of the day was eating at Glide’s Mo’s Kitchen. The food was amazing and the people there where really nice. I made a difference as I served people who didn't have food security. I will try to go back to Glide and serve again.

~ Max

I Made a Difference Today - I Will Be Respectful

I learned that people struggling with hunger and homelessness need financial help, and have to go to Glide to get a meal or two. This does not mean that they are homeless. Something that everyone needs to know about Glide is that it is a really welcoming environment and everyone is super friendly, and the food is amazing. My favorite part of the day was preparing food, because the whole group was working together as a team making sandwiches. It was really fun because we were able to talk to each other, while making a difference in San Francisco's Tenderloin community. I made a difference because my first job was collecting tickets from gusts, and I made sure to always have a smile on my face and greet the guests with enthusiasm and respect. All of the clients did the same thing for me, and it put both of us in a good mood. In my life I am always going to be respectful to others around me and to those less fortunate than me.

~ Sophia

GLIDE: Day One at SF Food Bank

Reflecting on Our Day at SF Food Bank

Question: What does everyone need to know about the day our team shared at San Francisco's Food Bank?

Charly: People need to know that we went to the SF Food Bank, met great and important people there,  worked measuring and packaging rice to be given to people at food bazaars all over the bay area, the Food Banks are open 7 days a week, and the Food Banks need people of all ages to help.

Sadie Ray: One in 4 people in SF are food insecure. People expect to see nothing but cans and boxes but more than 60% of food shipped out is fresh produce.  The Food Bank is the main supplier to more than 400 food pantries and soup kitchens like Glide in San Francisco.

Aracely: We went because there are people all over SF who are food insecure. Last year the Food Bank gave out more than 46 million lbs of food and expect to give more than 47 million pounds this year.

Nika: People need to know that we are helping out people who are food insecure. We are helping those who are not as fortunate as we are. People need to know that it is not boring -- it is really fun to do this work.

Laura: We bagged over 2100 lbs of rice... The food bank happens because the volunteers make it happen. Without volunteers the Food Bank would not survive.

Sophia: We had a lot of  FUN. The Food Bank has 200 partnerships and 200 food pantries that they serve. If you are food insecure call 211 and you will get the help you need

Max: On a project like this, you will learn more than you can at school. The Food Bank gives opportunities to children who would not have access to fresh produce. The warehouse smells of oranges and onions... Bring money for snacks...

Jay: People in SF and Marin can get free food, if they have a need. It is a nice warehouse and great place to work.

Rou Rou: Most of the food is donated or the Food Bank might pay $.86/lb for their fresh produce

Todd: There are 3 to 4 million lbs of food in the Food Bank's warehouse that require teams of volunteers to process and to get to people in need.

Question: How did your work make you feel and what was a favorite moment?

Henry: Sealing the bags of rice was really fun. It felt good that our packages would go to help people who couldn't help themselves and weren't as fortunate as we are.

Laura: Similar to Henry's... All our hard work and effort were great... I like to think that if we went to one of the hundreds of distribution food bazaars I could say that I made this packet of rice happen... I helped the person who is going to get it... I helped people who weren't as fortunate as we are.

Nika: It is great feeling that I was able to help someone...

Aracely: I really enjoyed weighing, measuring, packaging and labeling the rice. The people from Twitter who were working next us couldn't get as precise measurements. They were puzzled as to why.

Sadie Ray: It is so satisfying when you finish each box and took it to be closed and weighed. I was pleased when the annoying singing guy who thought he could rap finally got off our bus as we made our way back to PHS and today's assembly.

Charly: Filling a box was really gratifying -- feeling that you got things accomplished.  I am grateful that I go to a school that gives me opportunities to help people throughout the Bay Area.

Todd: I loved seeing everyone working so hard... being so enthusiastic and having so much fun working hard. This is truly an authentic learning experience... and when people are at their best.  I loved the journey across the City, listening to student stories which shows us how smart and funny all of them are.

Rou Rou: Didn't get to go but has been several times before. Loved counting and seeing how much everyone packaged in the collaborative effort.

Jay: I liked talking to various people on the bus like the guy who wasn't a fan of Jerry Brown.

Max: Getting measures of exactly one pound was always a pleasing thing... The man we met and talked with on Muni - "Fracking Guy " was a Vet and he was really intriguing. 

Sophia: Today felt really good. When I woke up this morning I didn't want to come because I was tired but I had a lot of fun with friends.  We had good conversations while packing rice... I ripped a couple of bags but it was no big deal we packed a ton of rice to be given to people in need.

Do Gooders Reflect on Their Morning of Service at Glide

My motivation for serving at Glide is providing food for those who can’t provide food for themselves. It is a great way to give back and benefit the community. It was a really fun experience. Today I had a different job than I had previously. I handed trays to the arriving people. It was really sad to see everyone so appreciative of food that we take for granted.

~ Ellie

Today, when I served at Glide, I worked in the Coffee House serving disabled people and families. I experienced that working to help people takes a lot of effort and hard work. I worked to help people at Glide that are in need and that have a hard time feeding themselves properly. The thing that I enjoyed the most about serving homeless people at Glide is to see how people live their lives, especially families, and how they find help and shelter. Today I lived the PHS mission of "World Citizens who advocate for themselves and others” by helping people not only from my community, but from the whole city.

~ Charly

I serve at Glide because it's really fun to serve these people. It's a way to give back to our community and care for other people. I also serve at Glide because everyone is so happy and thankful for us being there. Whenever you give someone their tray or refill their water they're so grateful. We go to restaurants all of the time and never really think about the people taking their time to serve us. It's a good way to put yourself in their shoes and help those less fortunate. I really enjoyed everything about Glide. I was doing a different job than last time so it was nice to experience something new and exciting. Everyone who was working with me got really emotional when we would have families with kids come in. The little kids were so happy and didn't really get how unfortunate their lives were. It really made me appreciate how I should be happy given everything that I have, if these kids have it worse and are so happy. I lived the PHS mission by going to Glide and helping serve the less fortunate.

~ Sophie

The reason I go to Glide is because it's fun to serve people and become kind of like busboys. My jobs were putting the bread and sugar on the plates and clean tables. My favorite thing about serving is being part of providing meals. I lived the PHS mission by showing I demonstrate challenge-seeking and resilience, because I took a risk and worked at Glide.

~ Eloise

I serve at Glide because, I feel very happy seeing all of the smiles on those peoples' faces. Today at Glide I experienced, the gratitude of other people, and see how thankful they are to have Glide as their food source. The thing I have enjoyed most about serving is it makes me feel satisfied to see that those people are getting food in their stomachs. I lived the PHS mission by sharing my kindness with others.

~ Madison

I serve at Glide because I love to be a waiter. Today I had the experienced helping poor people by feeding them. What I enjoy about serving was yelling “Hot Stuff!” when I had pitchers of coffee in my hands. I lived the PHS mission by trying to create world in which all people are happy.

~ Ryan

Today was my first time serving at Glide and it was an incredible experience. I serve at Glide because I want to connect with people who live in this city and help make it possible for those who are hungry or in need to get what they need. I experienced a lot of joy meeting people and doing my job which was working the floor clearing tables and getting people what they needed for their breakfast. I also experienced pain seeing up close how much need there is in this city and how many people are really hungry. I am thankful that there is an organization like Glide that feeds over 700 breakfast meals to people who need it. I really liked making eye contact with people and exchanging "good mornings." I also enjoyed seeing people share a meal together. I am thankful for seeing all of our students engage deeply with the mission of PHS and give their energy and enthusiasm to this work. I lived the PHS mission today by modeling care for the people in my community. I also lived the mission through helping encourage students to advocate for themselves and for others. I am thankful for this experience and look forward to serving again!

~ Kelsey

I serve at Glide because I believe it is a great way to help out our community, and people in need. I feel enlightened when someone appreciates me being there, so I am always glad to lend a hand. Today I experienced giving to the less fortunate, which was absolutely rewarding. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was, being a small part of the Glide process. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement during my job at Glide.

~ Estelle

I served at Glide because it helps people who couldn't otherwise get breakfast. Today I experienced how hard it is helping these people get the food they deserve. The thing I most enjoyed was feeling I was helping people and making the coffee. I lived the PHS mission by connecting my hands, mind and heart while helping others.

~ Nathan

I serve at Glide because I want to help those less fortunate than myself. Today I experienced the joy of helping families, disabled, and the elderly. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was when young kids, disabled people or the elderly said, "Thank you" to me. It was so sweet and special. I lived the PHS Mission by demonstrating effort and engagement throughout our service.

~ Henry

I serve at Glide because I think the people who work there can't serve the homeless every early morning and they need help. I also feel bad and I would like to help and see the people who I share this world with.

Today I experienced patience. There are people who don't have as many rights and privileges as others, but they have a rare thing, patience. They give their friends or children food that they have been waiting for and it comes all from the heart. I found that heart warming.

The thing I enjoyed most about serving was how they shared their food and sacrifice the thing they want for friends or children.

I lived PHS' mission by demonstrating challenge seeking and resilience. I did this by keeping a positive attitude in the morning and challenging myself to try new things like working in the coffee house.

~ Nisrine

I serve at Glide because I enjoy serving those who are less fortunate than myself. Today I experienced friendship, family and sadness. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was seeing the smiles of others, as well as serving food. I would like to maybe do for a summer job in the future, to be a waitress. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement.

~ Laura

I served at Glide because it would help me get into more high schools, I still loved helping people who need it, and the good feeling I get afterwards is better than anything else. Today I experienced many challenges, such as going to the wrong place with the wrong things and figuring out where those things actually go. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was the wonderful feeling you get when you help a less fortunate person and they say, “Thanks!” It's amazing. I lived the PHS a mission by helping people who needed it. Glide is amazing.

~ Max

I serve at Glide because I like to help people out who are in need because I realize how really fortunate I am. I want to give something back to people who are not as fortunate. Today I experienced a sense of community, because when I was collecting the trays. I also saw everyone sharing their food and having conversations. The thing that I enjoyed most about serving was getting to talk to everyone, and seeing that there is more to a person than what they look like. I lived the PHS mission by being kind and having a fun time with my friends.

~ Sophia

I serve at Glide because I really enjoy seeing people affected by the work we do. Today I experienced working in the main dining room. It was very fun and I had never worked in the big dinning room before. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was how everyone was so appreciative of our work and I saw a lot of happy people. I lived the PHS mission by helping everyone and doing my best to stay positive.

~ Ivy

I served at Glide because I thought it was an experience I should try in my school-lifetime and I knew I would feel proud afterwards. Today I experienced joy in providing people food and the bustle of serving people (on some level). I enjoyed it when people were yelling "Hot Stuff!" And some of the people who were eating would repeat it/laugh about it. Serving tables was also fun. I demonstrated effort and engagement when I was serving the people of the Tenderloin.

~ Montie

I serve at Glide so I can experience being a waiter to help the poor. Today I experienced a lot of fun and being a waiter too. The thing I enjoyed the most about serving was the feeling I got when I helped a bunch of people who needed coffee. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating a love of learning through curiosity and inquiry.

~ Elliott

I serve at Glide because I like to be a good citizen of SF and because my sister and my friends go to Glide. I experienced people happy to have a warm place and a hot meal. I enjoyed seeing people smile when I served them or gave them the bigger oranges.  I lived our mission as I advocated for others by serving them food.

~ Owen

I serve at Glide because there are people who don't know where they're going to get their next meal and I like giving them that meal. Today I had the experience of helping people who don't have food and/or a house. The thing I enjoyed most was yelling, “Hot Stuff!” when I was carrying and serving coffee. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement.

~ Tobin

I serve at Glide because I like being part of the solution for hunger. Any little thing I can do to help the people of San Francisco, I will. Today I experienced a sense of community at Glide, I love seeing people I have seen before at Glide. The thing I always enjoy most is the appreciation I receive from people who eat at Glide. I live the PHS mission by striving to create a place where the companionship of their peers fosters community life and helps each carry a just share of the responsibility within and beyond the walls of the school through volunteering at Glide. 

~ Clara

I want to thank all the people that support this student initiated, designed and implemented project. This community service project is authentic and truly constructivist. Our students demonstrate that they love working hard and that they have the will and wherewithal to act on their convictions. Their response to the needs of others is to share a smile, reach out and work to make all peoples' lives better. Thank you to Amy, Abby and Kathleen for making time to share in our day's adventures and accomplishments. I am inspired to be a better person and am profoundly grateful for days like today.

~ Todd

Our Morning of Giving

Today at Glide, I served many disabled people and children in the coffee house. After we were introduced and told the rules, we were assigned our jobs and started serving! At the end of the day we had served over 700 hungry children, men and women. After we were finished serving, I was very tired but I was proud that all of us had gotten up early and served people in need. I think that every time we go to Glide, we make an impact on someone and we are able to see what life is like for less privileged people. It is great to serve people who need help, and I hope that more people come to do a great deed.

~ Carly

This was my first time volunteering at Glide. It was technically very sad to see so many people food deprived or in need of help. Food security is something we take for granted. We served around 700 people and that's not representative of all the people in San Francisco in need of a meal. It's good to feel that your work affects so many people.

~ Ellie

After those less fortunate left Glide Memorial, I was sad to see that there was still some bacon left. The refilling guy had said there was no more bacon for those less fortunate. I thought this meant there was no more bacon left for anyone. When I saw all that bacon later, I was sad because those less fortunate were the ones who really needed it, not us. We needed breakfast too, but we already had way more than enough. We were grateful just the same.

~ Cole

Today at Glide I was a being a "waitress". Basically my job was to take peoples’ trays when they were done eating, wipe down the tables, and refill coffee, water, and milk. It really impacted me seeing all of these people that were essentially starving. It really filled me with joy to see all of these people so happy getting their food and being able to eat. It also made me really sad to think about how many people are impacted by true hunger and starvation. It makes you think about how lucky that you are and how you're so fortunate to be able to have food in front of you for every meal. In the end, it was a truly amazing experience and I highly encourage others to volunteer.

~ Sophie

Glide is a community, and whenever I go back to work there I always see people I've served before. I have been to Glide 10 or 11 times over the course of the last 3 years and I've worked most of the jobs. This time I greeted people and gave them their trays of food. I experienced interactions with so many different types of people. Every single person that came up to me was so grateful for the food, and my volunteer work. I love serving the people at Glide. I feel like I'm really giving back to the community.

~ Clara

I thought that giving today was a great experience because you got to help people in need. My job was taking the trays from someone and sliding it to the next person who would give the tray to the people coming for a meal. I liked my job because it made me feel that I was important to these people. The fact was that it made me feel great!

~ Audrey

Dear Reader,

This is what I want to say...
I personally felt really sad and happy at the same time, because these people were able to get food into them because we served.
If you really think about it, these people have been starving for days and days. Seeing these people sitting at tables eating food and feeling relaxed brings a tear to my eye. I am thankful that I have food and water so very accessible to me.

~ Madison

Glide was a totally awesome experience for many reasons. Firstly, I got to see people who, even if they don't have privileges like mine, they are grateful for every act of kindness anybody offered. Secondly, I got to feel what it is like to be a waiter and work and that was a spectacular experience. Lastly, I did something to help the community and that feels so great.

~ Elliott

I enjoy serving at Glide because I love seeing how happy the people are after they get food, or a drink. All these things are so basic to all of us, but mean a lot to the people at Glide. I had two jobs. My first job was putting eggs on trays, which was a little boring because it was very repetitive. My second job was working on the main floor, refilling drinks and clearing tables. It was so nice to see how happy everybody was after I refilled the pitchers of coffee, water or milk.

~ Henry

I enjoyed Glide today because I saw some really rough people there, they could not afford anything else but Glide. I could see how much they needed food to stay alive. One of the really heart warming things about the morning was that they would always say, "Thank You!" or "You’re an angel!" to each of us.

~ Laura

Glide today was really rewarding. When I served people they all were so grateful for each of us helping them out. I could tell that food didn't come very easily to these people and that they were so glad that we were there to help. I saw many families and many different kinds of people and it made me sad because they needed food as much as anyone. In our lives we should be more grateful for what we have.

~ Ivy

Glide was the most fun part of my Wednesday because I get to help my school serve breakfast to these people we really want to help. I have been doing this since last year and man am I still having fun! I am going to keep on doing it until I graduate! So, see you next Glide.

~ Jaheim

Today Glide was amazing! I loved all of it! It was really amazing and a very good opportunity for me to help a community in need. When I left Glide I felt better about myself, and the San Francisco communities around me.

~ Miles

Our students worked very hard responding to the needs of Glide’s guests. They fully engaged each person they met. They acted with care and compassion. They truly saw each person they met today as a caring, inquisitive and creative being. I am profoundly moved witnessing how much PHS students LOVE giving of themselves. They have left a lasting impression on the Glide community. Our students’ actions bring pride to the PHS community.

~ Todd