A Christmas Eve Giving Event with 400 Sandwiches

On Christmas Eve day, we took a trip to Franklin Square Park in DC to distribute bags of food, toiletries, and clothing to people in need. The trip was organized by a woman name Michelle Kang, the founder of 400 Sandwiches.

Michelle has been organizing giving events for a little over a year now to give essential items to people in need in the DC area.

I brought along 30 new Twice As Warm winter hats. Michelle and many volunteers brought a ton of donated items - clothing, canned goods, tooth brushes, deodorant, snacks, and much more. It was a lot of fun to put together the bags of supplies, and meet the other volunteers during the trip.

When we arrived at Franklin Square Park, there were many people in need waiting for us. They formed a line and we started to hand out the bags one at a time. I enjoyed taking time to make some friends with the people in line and spread good vibes. I met a lot of very nice people and heard a variety of stories. I met a woman named Joan near the front of the line. She has been living without a home for 22 years. It broke my heart as she waited in line with tears rolling down her cheeks. I met a 16 year old boy who was with his grandmother. The boy played basketball for his high school and was looking for new shoes to play in.

Many of the people in line were currently living in the park. When the shelters are full, they have nowhere else to go. I had a long talk with a man named Rick who lives in the park. He’s been actively looking for jobs and times are tough. He carried a rolling suitcase filled with canned goods and clothes. He has 2 daughters that he visits frequently and gives them whatever he can. When he has to, he’ll sleep outside in the cold. He explained how difficult it can be to fall asleep. You have to wear as many layers as you can, but its often not enough.

Toward the end of the trip I was able to get a quick interview in with Michelle. Watch the video below to hear more about the trip and about Michelle’s mission.

(Sorry the video is so shaky, it was getting cold and I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking!)

It’s such a privilege to meet wonderful people like Michelle. She has such a strong desire to help people in need and has taken initiative to do something about it. This was her fifth giving event, and she plans to do a giving event every 4 months or so. I look forward to staying in touch with Michelle and helping out as much as I can.

If you are in the DC area and would like to get involved or help Michelle with 400 Sandwiches, be sure to email her!