26
nov. 9, 2016
tribal column
A new
perspective
Volunteer experience opens eyes, creates opportunity to learn
I
Lauren Insinger
staff writer
It was an early Saturday morning, and I knew that helping the community was great, but it was still too early at 9 a.m. They didn’t need me and frankly, the only reason I was going was because my mom wanted me too. What difference would it make if I went? Both mom and I got into the car and drove throughout the affluent Mount Pleasant. Audi after Mercedes after shopping centers after neighborhoods with houses bigger than Goliath. Eventually, we crossed over the Ravenel Bridge and into North Charleston. And that’s when everything changed. Interstate 26 was filled with big industrial buildings with graffiti and rust morphed into a communal road that lead to Azalea Drive. The road was lined with yellow, brick one-story homes, a huge contrast from the town I moved to two years ago. There was short crabgrass and palm trees that punctuated the sides of the one lane road. Although they were just houses, the simplicity and the difference from what Mount Pleasant is known for, shocked me. At 9:30 a.m., we arrived at the Lowcountry Food Bank. I’m still tired but felt different. I was prepared to go and work. We walked inside and saw a crowd of people in workout clothes and sneakers. A woman clapped her hands as she finished her speech about what was going on that day. We were swept into the a huge factory-like room with stacks upon stacks of plastic crates that nearly touched the ceiling. Many of the crates filled with packaged food had been lowered to the floor for us to prepare in plastic shopping bags. Kids across the Lowcountry receive this bagged food through a program called Backpack Buddies. Elementary and middle school kids that are connected to Lowcountry Food Bank, will be called down to “Nutrition Club’” on Fridays and receive the food so that they’ll be fed over the weekend. Canned green beans. Ravioli. Animal crackers. Packaged cereal. For three hours, a group of over 50 was able to put together
about 2,500 bags of food. About 25 bags are packed into each crate and are shipped around to schools in the Lowcountry. Throughout the year, only meeting one Saturday a month, I can contribute to the approximately 200,000 hungry children. 200,000 children. I’ve never been hungry. My family has exLauren Insinger perienced hardships, sure, but I’ve never been on free or reduced lunch or have been worried where my next meal will come from. As I put on my sweatshirt to leave, I felt good in my heart. Not because I did something good, but because I can help lower that number of hungry people. There are kids who are stronger and braver than I am to go through childhood hunger, and if dedicating three hours of my time can reduce the experience of said hunger, why not? There was something inside of me that made feel more passionate about the finished job. The energy of the crowd and the excitement for change, changed me. It’s hard being a kid already, and food shouldn’t be an added struggle. As we passed by those yellow houses, I looked out to see a small boy and his mother smiling. I like to think of them when I think my struggles are bad and remember there’s always goodness in times of hardship. As the Thanksgiving holiday season approaches, the Lowcountry Food Bank will become my second home. Just a small group of volunteers will become my second family as we fight hunger, something that takes so little time but makes the biggest difference. For more volunteering opportunities, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank’s website. Many churches and schools have the opportunity to volunteer each month and also year round. For Backpack Buddies, we meet the first and third Saturday of every month of the school year. Simply visiting the website and then the food bank on a designated day is your best way to help fight hunger.
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“I looked out to see a small boy and his mother smiling. I like to think of them whe I think my struggles are bad and remember there is always goodness in times of hardship.” Junior Lauren Insinger
Random acts of kindParticipating in the Season of Giving doesn’t mean you have to dedicate a lengthy amount of time to serving homeless at a soup kitchen or making rounds at a children’s hospital. Sometimes, the little things make a big impact on the lives of everyday people, too. Here are some ideas to thank the everyday heros in your life or brighten the lives of those around you!
Pay It Back
After paying for your latte or chicken biscuit in the drive-thru, tell the cashier you’d like to pay for the order behind you and cheer someone else up with a surprise freebie.
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Everyone has heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but sometimes a granola bar is all there’s time for. Bring a friend or teacher, especially one who’s had a rough week or you owe thanks to, a breakfast treat to start their day off right.
Kindness on the Road
Getting cut off or honked at on the highway can be extremely frustrating, and navigating traffic in a rush can be even worse. Offer to let someone in front of you, turn before you or just generally be a compassionate driver to help someone else out.
A Written Thanks
No fancy card needed, just leave a slip of paper or even a sticky note with a sentiment of thanks for a friend or teacher. Your words go a long way!
--compiled by Grace Lady