Work Day One

Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Group:

Today was our first work day, and we divided into two groups to accomplish some very unique jobs. Some students worked with an Organization known as ARC. This organization works with folks who would not normally be able to hold jobs in society through cooking, cleaning, recycling, and farming. Their major source of revenue is recycling Mardi Gras beads, keeping them out of landfills and reselling them each year. Sorting these beads was our work for the day, as we filtered through 1500 pounds of beads while doing various other tasks to help the organization. Only in N'awlins!

 —Aaron

Today we divided into older and younger groups. The older group visited the ARC Mardi Gras beed facility. The main goal was to help the organization organize their beads by size and texture. Many of the workers happened to have various developmental needs, but we were so happy to realize that they have been provided with jobs and had their own responsibilities. Also the workers taught us the ways of their job and how to do them. We all had a great experience meeting new people and creating new friendships. 

—Tom

Food Pantry Group: 

Dear Parents of Us,

We know you miss us a lot, and in case your children haven’t filled you in, the “funyon” group (15 and under) went to The New Orleans Hope Food Pantry. Boys and girls were separated, and while the boys worked in the warehouse lifting and packing, the girls scooped and plopped bread rolls, pineapple tidbits, rice, and greens into a tray, that was packed and given out later in the day. (I have never scooped so much rice in my life.) 

After lunch Cassie spent time at the front desk helping the visitors receive their food for the month. She met Miss Ella and Miss Catherine and they talked about life in New Orleans. They always ended their thoughts with “I’m very blessed”. At the end of the day, we all had a group hug, and it was very special, and will always have a place in my heart.

After lunch Erica was assigned the task of alphabetizing the large amount of registration sheets people had filled out from earlier days. It was really eye opening to see the names of people that had been to the food pantry. It also helped me appreciate what I have and I am glad I had the opportunity to help out at the food pantry.

Much love, 

Cassie and Erica