A Path to Discovery and Service
With open hearts and a common goal to serve, learn, and develop, our Bear Breaks team entered Chicago, a city rich in culture, history, and diversity. Working with amazing groups committed to changing the situation, we spent several days immersed in areas facing homelessness and food insecurity. Giving back was only one aspect of the experience; other aspects included listening, comprehending, and changing our views on social justice and service.
Saint James Food Pantry: Nourishing Communities in Need
We started at Saint James Food Pantry, where we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We unloaded and stocked 13,000 lbs of food, ensuring that families in Chinatown and Brownsville had access to essential groceries. The weight of the boxes was nothing compared to the weight of the stories we heard stories of resilience and survival. Meeting 100 unhoused individuals and handing them freshly prepared meals, groceries, and hygiene packs reminded us that food is more than sustenance: it’s dignity and its hope.
Mission Our Lady of the Angels: Faith in Action
At Mission Our Lady of the Angels, we witnessed faith in action. The warmth of the volunteers and their unwavering commitment to serving 475 families left a lasting impression on us. Watching the ‘Millennial Nuns’ a group of young, passionate sisters featured on Good Morning America for their fight against hunger, we saw the power of selfless service. Here, charity wasn’t just an act; it was a way of life.
Chicago Food Depository: Packing Hope, One Box at a Time
Amidst towering shelves filled with donated goods, we joined a massive effort at the Chicago Food Depository, which serves 800 pantries across the city. As we packed 78 cases of potatoes and processed 3,120 lbs of food, we realized that every task, no matter how small, plays a role in feeding someone in need. By the end of our shift, we had helped provide 2,600 meals with a tangible impact that fueled our drive to do more.
Catholic Charities: Seeing Humanity Beyond the Statistics
Our work brought us face-to-face with 150 unhoused individuals in downtown Chicago. Serving meals, listening to their experiences, and sharing moments of laughter reminded us that homelessness is not just a statistic; it’s real people with real stories, deserving of compassion and respect. We left with a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges they face and the urgency of sustainable solutions.
Cradles to Crayons: Clothing Chicago’s Future
For many of us, childhood meant new clothes for school and warm jackets in the winter. But for some children in Chicago, access to these basics isn’t guaranteed. At Cradles to Crayons, we sorted and packed clothing for kids facing clothing insecurity, imagining the smiles on their faces when they’d receive items that made them feel cared for. It was a small act, but one that reaffirmed the power of kindness.
Exploring the Heart of Chicago
While our mission was service, our time in Chicago wouldn’t have been complete without immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant culture. We wandered through the halls of the Field Museum, stood beneath the shimmering reflection of Cloud Gate (The Bean), and marveled at the breathtaking views from Willis Tower’s Sky Deck, snapping fun photos as we balanced on The Ledge, high above the city.
We rode the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, laughing as we took in the dazzling skyline, and ventured to Hyde Park and the University of Chicago, soaking in the academic charm of the historic neighborhood. One of the most unforgettable moments was seeing the Chicago River dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a vibrant spectacle that captured the city’s spirit.
Of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in a sweet treat. We stopped by Dairy Queen, savoring our ice cream as we reflected on the week’s experiences. Every moment felt like a perfect mix of adventure and learning, strengthening our bonds as a team.
Lessons That Will Stay With Us
This trip was more than a service project; it was a journey of self-discovery. Seeing the stark contrast between the wealth of downtown and the struggles in neighborhoods challenged us to question how privilege and opportunity shape lives. It reinforced our belief in the power of community-driven solutions, showing us that real change happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
As an international student, I saw parallels between food insecurity in Chicago and similar challenges in my home country. This experience deepened my appreciation for cultural humility and the importance of listening to different narratives. It also made us realize that service is a universal language that transcends borders and backgrounds.
Continuing the Journey
Returning home, we carry with us not just memories but a renewed sense of responsibility. Inspired by the work we witnessed, we plan to engage with local organizations such as Ozarks Food Harvest and The Kitchen, Inc., continuing our commitment to fighting hunger and homelessness in our communities.
Bear Breaks Chicago 2025 was not just a trip; it was a call to action. And we are ready to answer it!