The sounds of the drum circle beat through the laughs of about 150 individuals, families and travelers who gathered around the smell of a barbecue in the covered area of Alton Baker Park on Sunday for the University’s Alpha Phi Omega fourth annual “Potluck in the Park.”
The University’s co-ed community service organization provides free hot lunches for homeless families and individuals in hopes of reaching out to the homeless citizens of Eugene and better connecting with the community at large.
“I think these events should happen much more often and be exposed to the public more, especially in the downtown region,” Mocha McReynolds said.
McReynolds, 22, traveled to Eugene from Los Angeles, and is continuing to Washington state with her friend Andrew Phillippy, 23, from Michigan. They both said they appreciated the free meal, which they heard about from a woman downtown handing out flyers.
“With events like these (homeless people) are still able to feel like part of the community and not like outcasts just because they don’t have an address,” McReynolds said.
Phillippy said his first impression of Eugene was at the Saturday Market, where he played the guitar, made a couple dollars and had a good time, he said.
“I’m traveling and don’t have much money,” Phillippy said in appreciation of the free meal. He added that people have offered places for him to stay the past two nights, which he took them up on.
Bailey Pope, a University junior who organized the “Potluck in the Park,” agreed with McReynolds that there should be more events like this one.
“I don’t know if there will ever be a point when it’s enough, but we are making an effort and we can always increase that,” she said.
The “Potluck in the Park” was inspired by a Portland-based organization that hosts a similar event weekly, Pope said, adding that Alpha Phi Omega wanted to create a once-yearly lunch, which is one of its bigger events.
“There is definitely a need for more free events, especially in downtown Eugene,” said Gwyneth Gilkeson, a University junior and recruitment chair for Alpha Phi Omega. “This is a good event; it’s a way to connect with people who might be isolated.”
Gilkeson added she thought the turnout was really good this year, in part because of the organization’s increased efforts in advertising to families, posting flyers at shelters and through the FOOD for Lane County family dinner sites.
“It’s hard for a lot of families; they are feeding four people and just don’t have enough money for that,” Pope said.
Conen, who wouldn’t give his last name, came to the potluck with his young daughter, and said he enjoyed the meal and finding an event that introduced him to people in the community.
“I’ve been in a lot of states and Eugene is a really comfortable place to be,” he said.
While Conen enjoyed the fruit salad, potato salad and mixed vegetables, his daughter was more interested in playing with the dog and avoiding the broccoli.
Those who attended the potluck were also given a bag of canned food, a tooth brush, toothpaste and other toiletries.
To participate in events similar to this one, contact Josie McCarthy, the program manager for the family dinner sites at FOOD for Lane County, at [email protected].
Contact the people, culture and faith reporter at [email protected]