This year, 28 Poly students joined runners, walkers and volunteers hailing from all over Los Angeles to participate in the 15th annual Homeboy 5K Run/Walk hosted by Homeboy Industries.
Homeboy Industries, founded by Catholic priest Greg Boyle, works to provide jobs and support for ex-gang members and ex-convicts in Los Angeles. Its 5-kilometer race, which follows a route around the Homeboy headquarters in Chinatown, took place on Saturday, Sept. 21.
In addition to the Poly students and members of the cross country team who were running in the race, members of the Poly Men’s Service League (MSL) gathered volunteers to help pass out water and fruit to runners during and after the race.
Before the race began, people involved with Homeboy Industries gave speeches, recounting their life stories, and led runners in stretches. During the race, drummers and a DJ cheered participants on, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere.
“Even though we all didn’t know each other personally, you feel a sense of connection with everyone running with you through our love of running and our intention to support a good cause,” said sophomore Danica Hua, who ran the 5K for the first time this year.
Though Poly, especially the MSL, have been involved with Homeboy Industries for more than 10 years, this is only the second year that the cross country team and MSL have collaborated to generate such a large student turnout. Historically, the MSL had organized a poinsettia drive in December with the proceeds donated to Homeboy, but recently they shifted their focus from fundraising towards service work.
“There’s such a huge value of fundraising, but in terms of the face-to-face… you have to know their stories, you have to empathize,” shared Renée Larios, Poly’s Student Community Engagement Coordinator. “Through our longstanding partnership with Homeboy Industries we aim to make real change in people’s lives by volunteering our time and support to events like the 5K,” said MSL member Joelle Snoland, a senior.
Poly’s community engagement clubs also collaborate with Learning Works Charter School and GroWorks garden, both of which are run by Homeboy Industries and work to provide education and a community garden, respectively, to youth in the justice system. In the future, Larios also hopes to facilitate tours of Homeboy Industries for Poly students and host Narrative 4 events with Homeboy in addition to continuing to run and support the 5k race each year.
