The Power of Giving Back

I believe strongly in giving back to my community. I have personally seen how my efforts have touched so many people in my community. I have been blessed with a very comfortable life, where everything I need is provided for me. I am very fortunate and I often feel so guilty. I know I have a bed to come home to at night and I do not worry about where my next meal will come from. I take everything for granted and don’t think about what life would be like if I didn’t have all my luxuries. In the past three years, I have been exposed to many different people from all walks of life. I was involved with many volunteer organizations which specialized in helping the homeless. Despite all my efforts to help them, I found that they made a much bigger impact on my life than I did on theirs.

Last summer, I volunteered at Hot Dogs for Homeless. I really enjoyed this particular organization because it was so hands-on. Every Sunday, a group of people prepare lunches and take them downtown to hand them out to the homeless. Usually when we arrive, they are awaiting us. They are so grateful not only for the lunch, but also for us giving our time to come see them. For the most part, the organization is only able to provide lunch, but occasionally a request comes in for a special need, such as a pair of socks or underwear. Even though Hot Dogs for Homeless has limited resources, the need is always met and the clients could not be more thrilled that their need was met.

Although a meal is given out, it’s not really about the food, but about taking the time to talk with the homeless and listen to their stories. They each have amazing stories to tell and many just consider themselves lucky to be here and to have someone who cares. They often feel like they are forgotten, but when they see us they are suddenly immersed with hope. I believe the purpose of hot dog is to show the homeless that someone cares for them.

The gift of my time was all these people really wanted. The more I talked with these men and women the more I grew to respect them. I would learn their names and remember their stories. Each week, we would talk about their progress and make sure they were still on the right path to recovery. It meant the world to these people that I cared so much and that I actually wanted to see them succeed.

I believe we are giving these people the gift of hope. After talking and listening to these people, I learned that I was there step by step for them during that difficult time in their life. I was there to support and encourage them. Occasionally, I was able to help their physical needs, but most of the time I was just there to support and pray for them. This experience was no doubt life changing and will forever change my point of view. Because of this experience, I am more understanding to others’ situations.