MIDNIGHT RUN

Midnight Run considers itself to be a movement of compassion towards the community on the margins of society. It began as a student response to a growing community need in 1988. Midnight Run focuses on serving the particular needs of the hungry and homeless people living in the Marquette neighborhood and beyond. This program is organized by a coordinating team of Marquette students under the supervision of Campus Ministry. Volunteers serve in area meal programs, pantries and shelters. Service in Midnight Run is meant to challenge students to integrate their experiences with their faith. Volunteers serve at the same service site on a weekly basis throughout the semester. Midnight Run's philosophy is rooted in the Gospel, with Matthew 25 serving as its hallmark, “What so ever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” Midnight Run is based on the fundamental belief in the dignity and worth of all persons and strives to cultivate a sense of responsibility for caring for all members of our community. No running required – Just walk with your neighbor!

Acting on our responsibilities as Christians and persons of good will, the mission of Midnight Run is to focus the compassion of Marquette students upon the needs of people experiencing poverty and marginalization in our own community. Using voluntary direct service as its primary tool, Midnight Run volunteers strive to serve selflessly, build relationships, and walk with those who are experiencing hunger, homelessness, the consequences of society's unjust structures, honoring the dignity and worth of all. Through the regular reflected experience of Midnight Run volunteers , we strive not just to create men and women of service, but rather, we endeavor to develop agents of positive social change.

Midnight Run began in October of 1988 after two students attended the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness Conference at Harvard University in 1987. The two students modeled the group after a student organization in New York that distributed sandwiches on the subways and drove around the city streets giving food, blankets, hats and gloves to people who were without homes.

The students saw the need for a similar program in Milwaukee and brought the program back to Marquette. Initially, they drove around at night to give food, clothes, and blankets to the homeless that were still on the streets, hence, the name Midnight Run. These pioneering students soon realized that most homeless people were in shelters by that time of night, so they organized noon and evening meals on the streets of campus. The Evening Run was eventually dropped because of low numbers, but the Noon Run grew in participation. The Noon Run works to meet the needs of the hungry and homeless of Milwaukee, operating 6 days a week.

The first year, the group consisted of 20 dedicated volunteers. The program has grown up to 200-300 Marquette student volunteers a year. The mission of Midnight Run is tied to the corporal works of mercy found in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s gospel, to serve the least of our society, not simply food, but fellowship as well.

Whether it be the Noon Run, or any of the other sites of Midnight Run, students are able to interact with the guests and engage in conversations that help unite people of many varying backgrounds.

We invite students to get involved with Midnight Run and join a movement of compassion, particularly focused on serving the needs of hungry and homeless people living in the Marquette neighborhood and beyond.

Midnight Run sign-ups are taking place on (date and time tbd) on the 2nd floor of the Alumni Memorial Union near the west facing windows.

As you serve in area meal programs, pantries and shelters, we encourage you to integrate your experiences with your faith. 

Contact the Midnight Run Co-Coordinators at midnightrunmarquette@gmail.com