Looking Outside Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
food

I Volunteered At A Food Bank And It Was The Most Rewarding Part Of My Summer

We are not meant to go through life just focused on ourselves and finding ways to build ourselves up. We are meant for something more.

40
I Volunteered At A Food Bank And It Was The Most Rewarding Part Of My Summer

Recently I volunteered at the OC Food Bank while home on summer vacation. Although it was a requirement I had for community service hours, I went in with a pretty positive attitude. Yes, it was going to be almost 100 degrees out but hey, I would be helping those in need, I could deal with the weather.

I arrived at the food bank at around 9:00 am. It was already around 80 degrees. Walking into the warehouse I honestly could not believe how big it was! There was SO much food and tons of volunteers. The second I walked through the door I felt a good energy. These people were happy!

I was introduced to the head guy at the food bank where he informed me all that they do at the location. They gather items, pass items out, everything you could imagine. These people really were making a difference and only down the street from me. How did I not know about this?

It was a few moments later that I realized my job for the day would include being outside with about five other volunteers passing out food boxes, vegetables, etc. I soon got the hang of what I was doing and began to really enjoy myself.

The process went something like this: a car would drive up to our food station with a number (either 1 or 2). This meant that the car would then receive that many boxes along with extras that we had: cheese, onions, potatoes, squash, etc. It varies every day.

The best part? The receivers of these boxes were SO grateful. I do not remember one car that did not smile and say "thank you." The boxes are given to senior citizens 70+ and I truly could not believe how happy they were.

Not only were the receivers of the boxes amazing, but also those who were giving. I worked with some hard-working men and women who do this 3-5 days a week. In the heat no less! You had no way of telling that they were tired because they always had a smile on their face and a servant's heart.

The people of the OC Foodbank really taught me that it isn't all about me. There are people out there who really have nothing and are still kind and loving. My time at the food bank showed me that the more we take a step back from ourselves and focus on those around us who truly need the help, the better things will be all around.

We are not meant to go through life just focused on ourselves and finding ways to build ourselves up. We are meant for something more. To serve those around us. To love those who may not feel loved.

As a Christian, I strongly believe in going the extra mile for those around me. However, one does not need to be a Christian to show kindness.

Thank you to the OC Foodbank for being so welcoming and unforgettable. I will definitely be back soon.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
ross geller
YouTube

As college students, we are all familiar with the horror show that is course registration week. Whether you are an incoming freshman or selecting classes for your last semester, I am certain that you can relate to how traumatic this can be.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

Bonus points if it is more than two.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends

Whether you're commuting or dorming, your first year of college is a huge adjustment. The transition from living with parents to being on my own was an experience I couldn't have even imagined- both a good and a bad thing. Here's a personal archive of a few of the things I learned after going away for the first time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Economic Benefits of Higher Wages

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

300647
Illistrated image of people crowded with banners to support a cause
StableDiffusion

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would not only benefit workers and their families, it would also have positive impacts on the economy and society. Studies have shown that by increasing the minimum wage, poverty and inequality can be reduced by enabling workers to meet their basic needs and reducing income disparities.

I come from a low-income family. A family, like many others in the United States, which has lived paycheck to paycheck. My family and other families in my community have been trying to make ends meet by living on the minimum wage. We are proof that it doesn't work.

Keep Reading...Show less
blank paper
Allena Tapia

As an English Major in college, I have a lot of writing and especially creative writing pieces that I work on throughout the semester and sometimes, I'll find it hard to get the motivation to type a few pages and the thought process that goes behind it. These are eleven thoughts that I have as a writer while writing my stories.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate

Every college student knows and understands the struggle of forcing themselves to continue to care about school. Between the piles of homework, the hours of studying and the painfully long lectures, the desire to dropout is something that is constantly weighing on each and every one of us, but the glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel helps to keep us motivated. While we are somehow managing to stay enrolled and (semi) alert, that does not mean that our inner-demons aren't telling us otherwise, and who is better to explain inner-demons than the beloved April Ludgate herself? Because of her dark-spirit and lack of filter, April has successfully been able to describe the emotional roller-coaster that is college on at least 13 different occasions and here they are.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments