FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kristen Hogan YMCA of the Capital Area 225 923 0653

Graduate Students devote their time to make PB&J Sandwiches for the Homeless.
Baton Rouge, La 70806 Rain or shine, Benjamin and Keegan Larisey wake up every Friday morning to
deliver 120 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the A. C. Lewis YMCA. On the very same day the sandwiches are given out to the homeless around the downtown Baton Rouge area, as part of the Ys Homeless Outreach program. Their Friday morning routine began when Keegan Lariseys aunt, Libby Haplin, who delivers sandwiches on Wednesdays, asked if they would take over for her on Fridays. Immediately, the graduate students searched through their busy work and school schedules to find times to make the sandwiches, sometimes even getting up at 4 a.m. There is this quote by Hemmingway, said Benjamin Larisey, graduate student at Louisiana State Universitys School of Social Work. For what are we born if not to aid one another? And to listen and do nothing is a bad enough aid. Making sandwiches for the homeless is just one of the ways the Lariseys serve the community. Benjamin Larisey devotes whats left of his time to the Circle of Support Walk an organization that helps bring support to suicide awareness in and around Baton Rouge. Keegan Larisey takes time from her studies at Southeastern University, to help volunteer at the Battered Womans Shelter and to be a spokesperson for St. Jude. The Lariseys dedication toward helping those in need exemplifies how little deeds can make a huge impact in our community. Without the Lariseys donation the 120 homeless men and women they serve would go without a meal. The PB&J Club provides a meal to those who are less fortunate. To participate

bring PB&J sandwiches in a Ziploc bag to the A.C. Lewis YMCA. All donations are distributed throughout the community within 48 hours of collection. For more information about the Ys Homeless Outreach Program visit ymcabatonrouge.org.

About the Y The Y is one of the nations leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21

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million men, women and children regardless of age, income or background to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nations health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymcabatonrouge.org