Standing in front of a completely filled SUV, Working To Help the Homeless (WTHH) members pose at Belmont’s Star Market on Saturday, after a wildly successful “stock-the-shelves” drive to benefit Y2Y Harvard Square. Michael Guyumdzhyan, WTHH Co-President drove a second car, with its trunk also filled, accompanying Alice Melnikoff, the club advisor an Community Service Coordinator on a delivery mission to Y2Y on Saturday afternoon.
This shelter is run by Harvard students for youth between the ages of 18 and 24. Y2Y opened about 14 months ago, with 22 beds, only the second shelter for youth in the greater Boston area, where an estimated 600 youth are homeless. In addition to the huge amount of food and toiletries purchased at Star by customers, the club collected $370 in gift cards to fund purchases of perishable items (e.g., meat) and another $637 in monetary donations.
Dan Wood, a Harvard sophomore who volunteers at Y2Y, was astonished at the amount of items brought. In a text message sent three hours after the delivery, he said. ” Thank you so much for everything you did today. There was so much food that I just finished unpacking. We will be stocked for the season, thanks to Belmont High School….It is incredible!” He later added, “ Thank you again, again, and again. We have much love for Belmont High School!”
The BHS community will have a chance to support Y2Y on Friday, March 10, when WTHH holds its annual Coffeehouse for a Cause. Tickets will be on sale after February vacation. Stay tuned for the details as it grows closer!
