One way to give back to the community

 

Today I want to talk about giving back to the community. There are many ways you can give back, but I want to focus on the way I give back, and that is by volunteering. I think volunteering is incredibly important, especially for those who have the time to do so. I am not saying stop working and volunteer, no. If your work has a volunteer day where they will let you volunteer somewhere for a day, I highly recommend doing so. 

I volunteer at a Crisis Center. We have a food pantry, a clothing shop, and other resources such as job coaches, all under one roof. My job at this Crisis Center is to intake people who come in and find out their needs and then bring them to where they need to go within our building. Our Center is set up amazingly because the clothing shop and food pantry are both set up like little stores. The people who are in need of food and clothing can shop for themselves, and help is always available if they need it. I often hear from new people how amazing it is that it looks like a little grocery store, and it makes them feel human and less embarrassed. Because we do get people that come in who almost didn’t walk through the door because they were embarrassed that they needed help. I take my time with everyone, but especially those who were unsure to come. I want to make sure that they are comfortable and know that there is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. There comes a time, I believe, in everyone's life where we need assistance in one way or another. 

While my best friend was here, I took time off from volunteering, and when I came back, I was just so happy to be there and give back. I enjoy helping people and helping them get set up for success. We have been incredibly busy, even reaching capacity on some days. That just shows you that there is a need out there. If you can’t volunteer, think about donating food and clothing or even money to crisis centers. If you do donate food, make sure it isn’t expired. You are probably thinking that goes without saying, but you would be surprised. Still remember that the people in need are still people, humans. You don’t want to eat something that has gone off 10 years ago, so why would someone else want to eat that? 

Talking about these people being humans, I also want to say that the same goes for the unhoused. I have seen so many videos where a lot of unhoused people wish for people to just look at them like human beings and treat them that way. There are many reasons why people are unhoused; maybe it’s the choices they have made in the past, or maybe it’s not to their own doing, but nonetheless they are people, human beings. 

If you have the chance, I really wish for you to look at different places to volunteer at or donate to.