Just the other day, I was thinking about how many people are willing to donate to far away areas such as Darfur, but they do not donate to people in the surrounding areas. Personally, when I am walking on the streets of New York City and someone asks me for a dollar to buy dinner, I am always hesitant because that one question pops into my head - "Is this person truly going to use the money for something good?" In reality, many people that we see every day may be in need, but we just do not realize it.
One example of when a lot of people in our area of Caldwell were in need was when Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey this past October. When Hurricane Irene hit, a lot of families struggled because their houses were damaged. Through Campus Ministry, I also found out that the food bank in Caldwell was extremely low because so many people were struggling after the storm. To be completely honest, I had no idea that Caldwell even had a food bank! I thought that Caldwell was such a beautiful town and there would never be any person or family here in need! After the hurricane, Kristin and I volunteered to stand in front of Shop Rite in Caldwell and asked people to donate food items to Kiwanis, who would be donating the items to the soup kitchen in Caldwell. After that event, I realized that there are so many people right around us every day that are in need! I hope to be able to do more to help people in our surrounding area who are always so supportive of Caldwell College!
Look at us! Haha that was such a big hit, I'm so happy we volunteered for that!
ReplyDeleteIt is so true, we don't realize how many people in our own towns are struggling. I was observing the other day, and the students were raising money to buy food for the food bank in my town. I didn't even realize how many people in my own town needed help. I think its awesome that you volunteered for that! I want to go help now!
ReplyDeleteI am too, Kristin!! And I totally agree Nicole! It is surprising how many people around us are in need! It makes me want to help more also!
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet of you to take the time out for people in a far away place and for local people who needed help. For my Freshman writing class in high school, one of our projects was to volunteer for people who are less fortunate. I donated my time to group toys and clothes for the less fortuante people in my town and was shocked that there were so many people struggling in such a small town. It broke my heart but made me realize that I am so lucky to be able to have all that I have and that I should not complain over petty little things.
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you volunteered, Jill! I think that it is interesting to see how many people in our local areas are in need! It definitely makes me want to help more!
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