Pancit at Ground Zero

Perlita Porcalla Gleason is neither a firefighter nor a recovery worker, but the petite Filipina-American has become a fixture near Ground Zero that workers and authorities have come to embrace as one of them.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the interior design consultant from Farmingdale, New Jersey joined the Ground Zero’s support services–cooking and feeding more than a thousand emergency workers and volunteers.

"I would like to give something in return to America, which has given me the freedom to fulfill my dreams in life," says the Manila-born Gleason, who once ran a Filipino restaurant in Westchester County, New York. "This is something that I really wanted to do and so I decided to find time to do it."

Once or twice a week, Gleason commutes up to two hours from her New Jersey home to report at Manhattan’s South Street–a five-minute walk from the WTC rubble–and devotes her whole day preparing Italian, Chinese, American and even Filipino food.

"Once I cooked pancit for the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers and they loved it," she proudly recalls.

Shocked and angered by the horror of the destruction of the country’s symbol of financial power, Gleason says she felt compelled to volunteer and be part of the efforts to help the city get back on its feet.

Gleason said she went first to Jacob Javits Center, where the major food services for Ground Zero is based, and told security personnel that she wanted to join the volunteer crew.

When told that there were already enough volunteers and that her presence was not necessary, Gleason says she became persistent and sought the director of food services. And before she knew it, she was one of at least four people cooking for over a thousand volunteers from different states.

"What an experience to cook for an army," she says, chuckling. "I never cooked this much pasta in my entire life continuously for a day."

Gleason also says she is amazed by the outpouring of donations of meat and poultry, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

"But more than that, I’m so moved by the unity of the firefighters, policemen and volunteer workers from all over the country. We are so connected with each other," she notes. "Many of the firefighters are very tired with little sleep, yet they are very determined to help and are dragging themselves to continue. Every one of them has a story to share that will break your heart."

The men in uniform and rescue workers expressed their appreciation for Gleason’s and other volunteers’ dedication, calling them "fabulous morale and stomach boosters".

Gleason says her burning desire to serve is ignited by the massive devastation she sees every time she walks close to Ground Zero.

"It’s brutal, cruel and I really feel terribly sad every time I see the ruins," she opines. "Yes, the sight is breaking my heart, but not my spirit to help the city and our people rise up. I think everybody feels the same way.

"What we’re doing is actually a part of healing and anybody can contribute something–their time, blood, money, anything," says Gleason, who holds two bachelor of fine arts degrees from the Philippine Women’s University and the New York School of Interior Design.

Gleason–mother to a 12-year-old daughter, Katrina, and wife to Charles Gleason, the director of Management Information Systems of Meridian Health System–said the tragedy has changed her perspective in life and transformed her into a better person.

"What mattered before Sept. 11 is not as important as the day after," she points out. "I have learned to enjoy each day. If you have a tough time today, tomorrow will be better. I have realized that life is too short to worry about problems."

"Count you blessings and enjoy life with people around you," she adds.

Gleason says she will continue serving workers at Ground Zero as long as she is needed there. "I believe this recovery effort will take a year," she observes, "and I will be here as long as they need me."