Blog

Throughout the year, the AYC Media team likes to take a break from the constant hustle and bustle of our daily lives to give back to others who are less fortunate. This time around, we decided to volunteer at Saint John's Hospice, located at 12th and Race in Philadelphia.

Started in the early 1960s by Father (later Monsignor) Anthony J. O’Neill, St. John's Hospice feeds over 300 men every weekday at noon, providing a warm, safe and hospitable environment for community members who need assistance.

Every Friday for the past few weeks, members of AYC Media would leave a little early to help the good folks at St. John's Hospice serve dinner. Their new dinner program was specifically aimed to help women in need, and the AYC Media team was honored to help get the new service off the ground. We asked a few who volunteered what the experience meant to them in order to better understand the value of giving back to those in need.

Terry Hahn

I have participated in many volunteer programs in the past, but the experience at Saint John's Hospice was one that clearly stands out and will be something that I will always remember.

A range of emotions was present as I entered the building and spent my time there. From apprehension to excitement–and from sadness to joy.

We were first greeted with much enthusiasm from all the other volunteers already there. In my case, being with the fourth volunteer group from AYC Media, they already had a good idea of where we were coming from and what they should expect from us. As the tasks were being explained, we began to put on our hairnets and makeshift aprons. We prepared the tables with salads and rolls and waited anxiously for the first group to enter.

Four women arrived initially, one with a small boy, possibly five or six years of age. This young lad in particular stood out to me. I think mainly for the way he carried himself. He didn't seem scared or shy, but rather very energetic and happy, almost appearing to not have a care in the world. His demeanor throughout his short time there was eye opening to me. This little guy, presented with what most would call a not-so-lucky hand, seemed perfectly content in his world. Even at such a young age, it was apparent to me that he had somehow been able to see through the bad and cling to the good. This is a lesson that is sometimes hard to see when you are more fortunate.

As we finished serving the remaining 45 men, I truly felt that everyone, each and every one of them, carried with them the same ideals that the little boy presented earlier. Their sincere gratitude was more than enough thanks I needed. It was a truly rewarding experience for me, and, if presented with a similar opportunity in the future, I will be the first one in line to volunteer!

Jen Russel

Terry and I arrived just in time to help serve the community at St. John's Hospice.  The other volunteers, who all were regulars, greeted us and made sure to make us feel welcome.

We all worked together to serve about 40 people who arrived at once.  Time flew by, as we made sure no one left without a full stomach!

Overall, experience was very positive. I am glad I had a push to get out there and serve the community; it's very easy to get wrapped up in your own world, as I have found. I am looking forward to my next volunteer experience!

Jacob Marcinek & Tony Kindness

This was my second time volunteering at St. John’s Hospice. The first time was about two years ago when I was on my way back from a co-workers restaurant opening. I had left with a whole pizza, and the men out front seemed a lot hungrier than I was at that particular moment. 

Tony Kindness and I arrived early and had plenty of time to hear about the hospice's rich history of helping those in need.

Our first job was to prepare the desserts and set them aside for later.  That night, the dish was chocolate cake, which looked delicious.

There was a variety of choices available for dinner, including deli sandwiches, tacos, casserole, mixed vegetables and french fries, just to name a few. I was honestly tempted to try some of the tacos, but, of course, we saved them for the guests. It was very moving to see how appreciative the patrons were for our service and the meal.

Overall, Tony and I agreed that our time spent volunteering was a great experience. We enjoyed getting to know some great people and lending a hand to help out our local community. 

Brandon Miller

In a world where most news headlines are dominated by horrible and disheartening topics, it's nice to see that there are still very caring people out there. It was my pleasure to work beside people who are passionate about helping others. They were not at St. John’s Hospice for their own personal benefit, but to just give back to men, women and children who need a hand at this point in their lives.

The experience really brought to the forefront of my mind the responsibility all of us have to help others around us who are less fortunate.

Many of the people coming for a hot meal or a roof over their head were sincerely thankful and kind to us in return. That was one thing that really touched me. Many of us are fortunate to have things we don’t even need, and we still forget to be polite and well mannered. Even if we are deprived in some aspect of our lives, we can still be kind to people we meet and interact with.

I’m glad to have this experience, and I know that, moving forward, I will be more thankful of the things I have in my life, as well as more persistent in helping my community.

Mike Leary

"Thankfulness" is the one word that sticks in my mind after volunteering at St. John's Hospice. I don't mean "thankful" for the roof over my head or the life I have been blessed with. What I'm truly thankful for is the opportunity to help another human being––that's an experience that can’t be easily replaced.

It was amazing to meet the people who ran the program and see just how welcoming they were. The people on the other side of the counter, who are there to cook the meals and run the shelter, help the patrons feel as comfortable as possible while performing work that is, perhaps, a little out of their comfort zone. I found myself watching their interactions with the guests and it was apparent much how they really cared about their well being.

Truly caring for another human being is something that is so often given in small doses–and most often to people within your own circle. To extend oneself and give to anyone in need is not something you see everyday.

We often talk about volunteering and how it can fill us with warmth that everyone loves to feel. But so often, life fills those voids, and those thoughts slip away with the daily responsibilities we replace them with. To see people use their personal time to give to people in need should not be taken lightly. It should be embraced and reciprocated.