When jogging outside of Piedmont Park, Benjamin Manoj noticed what looked like trash in the middle of the road. As the Georgia Tech neuroscience major ran closer, he realized it was a man sitting alone with cars and people veering around him.

“I went up to him, and he was crying,” says Manoj. “He told me his name was Darren, that he was experiencing homelessness, and that people wouldn’t even look at him.”

As he spoke with Darren, hugging him and getting him out of oncoming traffic, others began to stop, bringing water, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and comfort. “I saw how one small gesture inspired others to help,” says Manoj. “It helped me see the bright side of humanity — and inspired me to get more involved in helping others.”

Back on campus, he looked for ways to make a difference. At the beginning of his sophomore year, he joined the newly formed Yellow Jackets Against Poverty  organization.

Today, he leads it — living out Georgia Tech’s motto of Progress and Service and inspiring others to do the same.

Get to Know Yellow Jackets Against Poverty

Tell us about the club:

Manoj: Our main goal is to give back to the community. We’re a hodgepodge and serve in many ways, including building shelters, cleaning up unhoused encampments, creating food and hygiene drives, and volunteering for the after-school program at Boyce L. Ansley School. Our goal is to have at least one activity per week for students to make a difference, but we usually have two or three opportunities. It’s all about helping the community and showing what Georgia Tech students can do.

Why did you join?

Manoj: When you’re at Tech, it’s such a beautiful place with green spaces and welcoming people. But living on the edge of campus freshman year, I saw the dichotomy between Tech and right outside of Tech. We live such privileged lives, and I wanted to do something to bridge that gap.

How many members do you have?

Manoj: We have around 90 active members, and they are all incredible people who want to give back and spread kindness. We’re growing quickly because our message resonates. There are lots of Tech students who want to volunteer — they just don’t know how and where.

Why is this club important?

Manoj: Most clubs at Georgia Tech focus on building your resume, which is great and necessary. But volunteering is transformative. You learn who you are by giving back. You get to interact with your community and make your mark on the world.

How do you choose events?

Manoj: We work with amazing social workers and organizations like Intown Cares. They do so much good for the community, and we rely on them to help us help them. We also look online for volunteer opportunities.

Any success stories or memorable moments that come to mind?

Manoj: Every volunteering event has been a success story because it’s an opportunity for people to come together and work for a cause. One event I really enjoyed was when we built shelters and building panels for the unhoused community. All of us were just trying not to whack ourselves with the hammers, but we learned a lot about how to create a shelter that will be used to keep someone warmer in the winter.

We also recently organized a fundraiser where we sold pieces of pie and opportunities to pie club leadership in the face. From this fundraiser, we created 2,000 meals that we packed and distributed to people experiencing homelessness in our community.

What are your goals as president?

Manoj: My goal is simple: do as much as we possibly can. Whether that’s hosting coat drives, doing a STEM activity at an after-school program, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, we want to make an impact and push the message of kindness. Nobody should be left out.

Anything else you want people to know about the club?

Manoj: I’d like to make it abundantly clear that anybody is welcome to come to our events, not just Georgia Tech students. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends are all welcome. For example, our wonderful faculty advisor, Heidi van de Wouw, who teaches in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is an active volunteer at the Boyce L. Ansley School and entertains all of the kids with her infectious laugh!

How can people get involved?

Manoj: Follow us on Instagram or GroupMe for updates.