Helping homeless one Saturday at a time
Almost every Saturday since December 1, 2014, you can find Ron Pagano in his garage in Delmar at 9 a.m. getting ready for his runs. His non-profit, From Roots to Wings, delivers hot meals, clothes, bus passes and personal hygiene items to Salisbury’s homeless and needy.
“You say to yourself, we really can change the world. We can change it by starting with the people that we come in contact with and that’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to change their lives for the better,” Pagano said.
Pagano serves as the designated driver. Once the volunteers have the van packed, they’re off to their days work. They hit the same spots so that people know where to find them.
Their busiest stops are usually the bus stop on Carroll Street and the outside of the soup kitchen on Church Street. Everything they give out has either been donated or purchased with money that’s been donated.
For almost all who volunteer they tell us the experience is life-changing.
“In the beginning, I’ll tell you, it was kind of tough, because you weren’t sure what to expect, because everybody grows up with preconceived notions of the homeless and they’re on the corner and they’re crazy, but as soon as you get to know them and hear their stories, you realize, you know well, that could be anyone,” said board member Michelle Neal.
Although many of the people accepting donations declined to speak on camera, those we spoke to off camera said the non-profit is a huge help to them. Many say they are just thankful they’re receiving any help from someone. Volunteer Pamela Armbreaster told 47 ABC how a woman on Saturday was just happy to have anything Armbreaster could offer.
“She said, ‘honey whatever you have to spare to give I’ll appreciate, I’m so grateful for it, thank you’ and that to me means everything,” Armbreaster said.
Pagano aims to continue doing his Saturday runs, but says he needs people to donate money and time to keep Roots to Wings going.
To find out more, head to the From Roots To Wings Facebook account.
