Lisa Cotoggio, Founder of Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches decided to give back this year and spend Valentine’s Day 2019 on the streets of Long Island and Manhattan handing out heart-shaped Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches to the homeless residents who live among us.
“To say it was the most rewarding experience I have ever had would be an understatement given the look on the many faces I had the opportunity to encounter. The smiles at the mention of receiving a Valentine’s Day treat could have lit a room for days. These people, and people they are, which we forget sometimes were so happy to interact because it made them feel recognized even if just for the passing moment.
Everyday they stand invisible to the rest of the world as people walk by them on the street, ignoring their pleas for help, pretending they are not there. I can only imagine it is a horrible way to feel. To exist, and know you matter to absolutely no one. These people are just like us; they’ve had parents and grandparents, siblings and children, friends and former co-workers. They weren’t always homeless. They’ve fallen on hard times, and that could happen to anyone.
I’m glad I was able to brighten their spirits for those brief moments because they know there are people out there that do care, and while we can’t all help everyone, we can remember its nice to feel a connection to those around us. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind during our daily movements, so next time you encounter someone down on their luck say hello, and smile, it makes the world of difference to that other person.”
Happy Valentine’s Day from Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches
