Sidewalk Samaritan

09/18/2026

“That’s okay. I know you’ll have some next time.”

Those words came from a man who had just learned there were no socks left—and somehow, he was the one offering reassurance.

On Thursday night, Emily arrived after work with supplies for people waiting on the sidewalk: socks, soap sacks, toiletry kits, solar lights, and sleeping bags. Dan, one of the regulars, met her right away. There were several first-timers in line, he explained, and they would need sleeping bags and more.

Then, almost casually, he added that he needed one too. His had been stolen, and he had been sleeping on cardboard.

Emily gathered everyone around and explained what she had brought. She also warned them that supplies were lower than usual that night.

The response stopped her in her tracks.

The line circled around her. People applauded. They clapped—not because the supply was endless, but because she had shown up with what she could.

In that moment, they reminded her of the very thing she so often tells others: every little thing matters. You do not need a full store. You do not need to solve everything. You just need to bring what you have and keep showing up.

Emily handed out every item—every kit, every light, every sleeping bag, and every pair of socks. And when there were none left, one man simply said, “That’s okay. I know you’ll have some next time.”

Some nights, it is hard to know who receives more: the people who come for supplies, or the volunteers who leave carrying a renewed faith in kindness.

Show up. Give what you can. Every little thing matters.

Bombas SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness To Light Hulken The WaterWheel Foundation

09/17/2026

09/10/2026

SIDEWALK SAMARITAN IS MAKING (another) URGENT REQUEST OF ALL FOLLOWERS, DONORS AND SUPPORTERS BEFORE THE COLD WEATHER RETURNS:

at our last handout at St. John the Divine, we provided shoes to over 20 individuals (of the over 100+ served). Unfortunately, we turned away at least ten others because we did not have a pair of proper-fitting shoes for them. All of these people were facing the start of Autumn weather without something many of us take for granted: a well-fitting, practical pair of shoes. A couple of people were walking in socks, some had made do with shoes so worn & broken-down that they were held together with tape, others had shoes that were found on the street that were either dangerously too tight or too large.
The unmet need was heartbreaking. We want to help everyone who is in need, but we simply do not have enough shoes in the correct sizes. Shoes are an expensive purchase, and when necessary we buy what someone needs. Mostly, we rely on donated shoes (new or gently used), unfortunately given our current economic time, donations from companies have not been so often.
FOR THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please consider organizing your office, school friends, church, gym or community group to have a new/used SHOE DRIVE (anytime, but especially as the cold weather approaches).
Contact SIDEWALK SAMARITAN on Social Media or at Emily’s email address [email protected] so we can provide guidelines and collection supplies needed to make an impactful difference in someone’s comfort, health and safety.
No collection is too small!

Thank you to those who have already rallied to collect AND to one supporter for this great AI image !

Soles4Souls Timberland Hulken Nike SKECHERS The WaterWheel Foundation

09/09/2026

YOUR COMMUNITY CAN PROVIDE REAL COMFORT & SAFETY TO THOSE IN NEED

SIDEWALK SAMARITAN IS MAKING AN URGENT REQUEST OF ALL FOLLOWERS, DONORS AND SUPPORTERS BEFORE THE COLD WEATHER RETURNS:

Saturday, at our handout at St. John the Divine, we provided shoes to over 20 individuals (of the over 100+ served). Unfortunately, we turned away at least ten others because we did not have a pair of proper-fitting shoes for them. All of these people were facing the start of Autumn weather without something many of us take for granted: a well-fitting, practical pair of shoes. A couple of people were walking in socks, some had made do with shoes so worn & broken-down that they were held together with tape, others had shoes that were found on the street that were either dangerously too tight or too large.

At each handout we bring as many shoes in different sizes and styles as possible so we can (hopefully) find the best possible pair for someone in need. The pictures show some of the successful matches. However, many people left disappointed or with a temporary pair of slides until we can return with a pair of shoes that work for them.

The unmet need was heartbreaking. We want to help everyone who is in need, but we simply do not have enough shoes in the correct sizes. Shoes are an expensive purchase, and when necessary we buy what someone needs. Mostly, we rely on donated shoes (new or gently used).

FOR THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please consider organizing your office, school friends, church, gym or community group to have a new/used SHOE DRIVE (anytime, but especially as the cold weather approaches).

Contact SIDEWALK SAMARITAN on Social Media or at Emily’s email address [email protected] so we can provide directions, guidelines and collection supplies needed to make an impactful difference in someone’s comfort, health and safety.
No collection is too small!

Bombas Soles4Souls Timberland The Un**es Project Inc. Mvsport.thegame The WaterWheel Foundation Hulken
Long Trail School Nike SKECHERS

09/05/2026

the best way to enjoy a long weekend: a handout ! We will be out on Sunday !

Send a message to learn more

09/04/2026

If you appreciate the work Sidewalk does please follow our Facebook and/or Instagram!
It helps us with grants !

09/04/2026

Sidewalk went out for a Thursday handout at Rutgers Church. Tonight, the air was heavy with humidity, but there was something deeply moving about the scene at Rutgers. Emily watched people gently step in to help elderly and disabled neighbors move to the front of the line so they would not have to stand and wait in the heat for so long.
The line stretched on and on, so long that the church worried there might not be enough food for everyone. They knew they would not be able to offer seconds, even though many people quietly waited in hope. Several people came up to Emily to tell her about a man who was too embarrassed to say he was homeless or that he needed a sleeping bag. Because others noticed his need and spoke up for him, he was able to receive one. One man, who seemed to be looking out for so many around him, explained it simply and beautifully: “They are my family. I see them week to week, and we see one another at other food handouts every week. They are my family.”
As Emily continued handing things out, a group formed a prayer line nearby. They said it was not about religion, but about gratitude for the people who show up to help, about safety for one another, and about sending out positive energy at a time when there does not seem to be enough of it.
It was a beautiful and heartbreaking night to be among so many people who needed food, but also socks, toiletries, clothing, sleeping bags, lights, and simple reminders that they had not been forgotten.

Bombas Unite To Light SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness The WaterWheel Foundation Phish

09/01/2026

Emily had a bday yesterday and one of our supporters sent this AI image from a photo posted. Emily LOVES it so sharing it :)

As summer turns to fall and the nights get cooler, many of our neighbors sleeping outside are already in need of warm coats.
If you’re cleaning out your closets or buying a new coat this season, please consider donating gently used adult-size coats in good condition to Sidewalk Samaritan.
Your donation can help someone stay warm, safe, and cared for as colder weather arrives. Thank you for helping us support our community. Please share to help spread the word