University collects items for men's shelter

A group of college students spent their Halloween ringing doorbells but not to satisfy a sweet tooth.
The Brandeis University group filled pillowcases with 3,300 canned goods, toiletries and non-perishable food items for Waltham’s Bristol Lodge.

The lodge, at 27 Lexington St., offers 45 beds for homeless men.
Brandeis senior Jenna Gondelman was one of four coordinators for Friday’s Halloween for the Hungry project. She said the event is in its 21st year.

"I love doing it. We’re sort of trying to expand the project and get the word out more about people doing this," she said. "We have a really strong relationship with Bristol Lodge. We send students there weekly to volunteer."

Gondelman ran a volunteer table Friday for the project inside the university’s student center where students were assigned streets where they would go to collect donations.

Student Jenna Rubin said collecting donations was a better way to spend the spooky holiday.
"I really appreciate what this specific group is doing," she said. "I think it’s probably a much better use of our time on Halloween."

Gondelman said she and other Brandeis students distributed flyers last week to houses and area business, alerting them to the donation drive.

Lucas Maio, director of community service at Brandeis University, said Halloween for the Hungry is one of the university’s largest events.

"This is one of those events where, for a lot of students, it’s a one time opportunity for them to get out into the community and meet their neighbors," he said. "This is one of the events students look forward to every year."

Last year the group collected almost 4,000 canned goods, toiletries and non-perishable food items, the largest donation Bristol Lodge had ever received, Gondelman said.

"Local businesses are even beginning to hear about our event and this year the Waltham Bertucci’s restaurant offered to donate food to our volunteers," Gondelman said. "This event is a wonderful example of how over 100 Brandeis students expand their comfort zones to connect with Waltham residents."

Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com