IGNITE delivers yet another incredible experience to a group of high school students from Newark and Passaic. Last month, Allan and I had the honor of leading an excursion to volunteer at the St. Peter’s Chelsea Food Pantry and tour its surrounding Manhattan neighborhood. Over the course of the morning we distributed food to over 100 families and helped set up the pantry for the busy week to come. The kids enjoyed interacting with the patrons and the staff was impressed with how personable they were.
After a rewarding morning the pantry staff invited us to experience lunch at the Meatball Shop, an iconic neighborhood restaurant. Skeptical at first, the kids wanted to just get pizza instead of trying new cuisines. However, after some convincing and taking their first bites, the kids were impressed and regretted their reluctance. The pantry staff even rewarded them for their hard work with ice cream sandwiches.
Following the dining experience we proceeded to the High Line Park where the students got to take in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. After walking a few blocks on the converted elevated rail line, we ended the trip with mini rosemary donuts from Doughnuts at Chelsea Market. On the PATH train home, the kids reflected on a day full of all types of new experiences; strange foods, foreign neighborhoods, and serving a community.
After a rewarding morning the pantry staff invited us to experience lunch at the Meatball Shop, an iconic neighborhood restaurant. Skeptical at first, the kids wanted to just get pizza instead of trying new cuisines. However, after some convincing and taking their first bites, the kids were impressed and regretted their reluctance. The pantry staff even rewarded them for their hard work with ice cream sandwiches.
Following the dining experience we proceeded to the High Line Park where the students got to take in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. After walking a few blocks on the converted elevated rail line, we ended the trip with mini rosemary donuts from Doughnuts at Chelsea Market. On the PATH train home, the kids reflected on a day full of all types of new experiences; strange foods, foreign neighborhoods, and serving a community.