KTVU Channel 2 reporter Leigh Martinez captured a heartwarming story of compassion and volunteerism by our youth that needs to be shared. Student volunteers of the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) public charter school spent part of their Thanksgiving feeding the homeless at the Aquatic Park camp on Shellmound just across the Berkeley border.

Volunteers set several tables with black linens & fine china on loan from a volunteer’s mother. Tables were decorated with poinsettias and ornamental centerpieces. Chairs were loaned by the Richmond Marriott.

Volunteers, dressed as waiters, served food prepared by friends and family to members of the camp.

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One of the student volunteers was Aaliyah Washington who identified herself as formerly homeless along with here mother Edna. “Since we’re in the Bay Area, we know the homeless population is increasing. Me and my family have noticed that people on the streets are not getting love.”

The camp, sometimes referred to as the “First They Came for the Homeless” camp, maintain an active facebook page and political presence.

The students received donations from Christmas In Richmond as well as the Richmond Police Activities League organizations.

View the embedded video segment above or on KTVU.com →