Genesis’s Volunteering Experience Blog
I’ve always been a dreamer. A person who wanted to fulfill their purpose. Someone who wants to radiate what they believe in and who they are. I’ve always envisioned who I am as a person and where and who I want to be. I have many dreams, but the main one is the dream of being the best version of myself through Christ. Though many people are not familiar with the word of the Lord or their hearts are yet to discover his glory, I believe the Lord has me here for a purpose, if not many. Dreams can’t all come at the same time, and wisdom starts by fearing God. When you follow God, you will see life differently and be yourself in a better way. I have the dream of genuinely helping people and hope to do it even more in the future. Not for other people to see me, but to do one of the things that God has put in my heart and in my purpose.
2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
In the last months of sophomore year, a family friend introduced me to a member of a nonprofit known as the Chatham Alliance. At the time, I wanted to find ways to help people outside of school by doing something meaningful and with action. I believe actions speak louder than words. What is the point of giving out graceful words about doing something when you don’t carry it out or believe it wholeheartedly? Chatham Alliance welcomed me to a nonprofit organization that focuses on building a community where anyone who needs a meal, a rest from cooking, or just support can come and join, and I saw an opportunity to help the people in my area. I’ve been to Mexico to help kids learn about Christ through a mission trip, but I had never really been deeply involved in an organization to help people from a place like Chatham County. Especially a small town that is not as well-known to North Carolinians, Siler City, where I live. During my time volunteering, I met a group of wonderful people who seemed to be dedicated to what the organization stands for. I was fortunate enough to be invited to board meetings to learn more about the organization and how the nonprofit is managed. As a person who has a love for business, being able to attend the board meetings and learn about how a nonprofit organization works was just another benefit to the whole volunteering experience. The management between members and how they conduct the meeting, covering all the necessary information to be discussed, is always well thought out. As for volunteering, I helped distribute food, volunteered in an advocacy event, and made meals to be packaged. I enjoyed cooking and preparing the meals because I have a love for food. Being able to use things I already love doing to help others is one of the things I like most about helping an organization. Also, the nutritious and multifaceted food we, the volunteers, can provide and prepare, thanks to the help of donors and funding, is absolutely amazing! There is one thing to give out food and another to give food that actually fulfills a person's health needs. Aside from preparing food, there is a whole group of nice people ready to volunteer and help in any way they can. Usually, I am the youngest of the group participating when I volunteer, but there are many other youth who volunteer and prepare food for holidays and other events where food can be distributed. It is a complete joy for me to volunteer to cook food (which is personally enjoyable) for people who don’t get the gift of sometimes having enough food for themselves or their family, or people who need caring. When I distribute food on Fridays in Siler City and see the happiness on people's faces as they receive it, it makes me grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in this cause. As a girl of Hispanic background, whenever I have to speak in Spanish to some of the people who come to pick up food, I remember that, regardless of race, origin, or culture, we are all people, and there are many people out there who need a hand. I am just glad I can take a role as a volunteer and be part of that hand. A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to get a position at Chatham Alliance as an editor. So far, it is a new and fun experience because I get to be more deeply involved in the organization, other than volunteering. I have made drafts and suggestions for the official Chatham Alliance website, and every single one has been looked upon with appreciation and helpful feedback. I am still getting the hang of it, but I am excited for the future of my role and all the projects and plans I will hopefully be a part of in Chatham Alliance.
Art Credit: Michelle Wuester
