We knew and were expecting that the preparations we had to make for tonight's soup run would be extensive. Tonights weather just made people want socks, jackets, and runners. The day before yesterday we had bought penneys vouchers to ensure we would be able to help and provide for people adequately by purchasing clothing when needed. And because of the horrible weather and constant rain, almost every second person was looking for sleeping bags, tents, and hygiene bags. Thankfully we were stocked up and had bought almost 500euros worth of hygiene bags just for tonight. A huge shout out to the helpful TY students who were preparing the bags and had them ready for the soup run tonight. Everyone was looking for ways to stay warm and dry tonight but the most simplest request is what made the reality of the poverty crisis hit us. Different people were consistently asking for clean, dry socks. As we were continously giving out lots and lots of hygiene bags, we noticed people wanted them more for the socks than the actual products. It was a gut-wreching sight to see and the experience only continues to shed light on the extremity of the poverty scene in Ireland. Our soup run is held underneath the pillars of the GPO and is sheltered from the rain. But as the queue stretched all the way down Henrey Street, we saw people coming in who were completely soaked to the skin. And yet everyone stood quietly, regardless if the rain was battering on them or not. We tried our best to keep the queue going as fast as possible as it was heartbreaking to see so many people in such conditions tonight. And yet people still speculate about the needs of these people; whether they really need the food and whether they are really homeless. It's nights like these that make us see the reality. No one would stand in line soaking in the cold rain just for a small bag of food and a hot meal unless they were facing extremely difficult times. And the reality is that there are countless amount of people who are. Huge numbers of people are struggling with poverty and homelessness and have no where to seek refuge. Understanding this reality is necessary for any meaningful progression in this crisis. We are struck for words and overwhelmed coming out of a night like this. As the weather continued to worsen and the rain continued to pour, our efforts towards preparing everything perfectly for tonight all came down to the anticipation for an influx of people. And as we are anticipating the weather to get harsher and harsher as winter approaches, we are anticipating the lines to get longer and longer. Hence we ask for your support in providing aid and comfort to those who need it during these cold and lonely months. We are so grateful to have been able to provide enough sleeping bags and resources tonight and we hope to continue to be able to do so with your support and donations. Please donate through the link below to help us help people in need msoe.ie/index.php/component/…