by Charlyne Sainrose
On Friday, Sept. 23, five of my peers from my senior class at Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope, and I volunteered at CHIPS Soup Kitchen. We helped prepare and serve food for those who have nothing to eat. We also cleaned inside and outside, including the hallways where the residents were living.
As we were getting ready to finish up serving food, a man from next door came to our door screaming: “Everyone get out! There is a fire next door. Evacuate NOW!”
Truthfully, at first I didn’t know what was going on; I was scared confused and worried. It was as if I froze for a quick second. I was saying to myself ‘could this be really happening,’ and ‘wow, today of all days.’
After I regained myself, I found the other students and we all evacuated safely out of the building. We stood our in the rain for a short time until we found a dry spot underneath the Hess gas station across the street.
A few minutes later, we all decided that we had to call the school and let them know what happened. I was the only one who had the number, so I called Mr. Frank Brancato, principal, and told him what happened. He asked if everyone was all right and told us he would inform Brother Thomas Barton, O.S.F., director of campus ministry. We also called our parents to let them know what happened.
As we waited for Brother Thomas, the fire continued to spread. The firemen came just in time and did everything they could to put out it out.
We all stood together, cold, wet and scared. We calmed each other. I was scared and confused but I knew God was keeping all of us safe.
Apart from the fire, I had an amazing experience at CHIPS at I would definitely return to volunteer.
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Three weeks after firefighters put out a five-alarm fire that destroyed Danken’s Auto Supply, Park Slope Christian Help Inc., which is located next door, is struggling to reopen. The services it provides for the community include a transitional home for young mothers, a soup kitchen and a food pantry. Full story at thetablet.org.
Anyone wishing to help may call CHIPS directly, 718-237-2962.
