Holiday Volunteering at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank - December 18, 2010

For the month of December, I wanted to give back in two ways. The first was to help feed the hungry and the second was to give toys to children who have never had or will not have a Christmas this year. Unfortunately, the gifts to children organization cancelled at the last minute. I was pretty bummed about that, but there is always next year. So, I ended up at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank giving back to the hungry.

 

We arrived at a giant warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles. It was pouring rain in the early hours of the morning, but regardless of the weather, over 50+ volunteers showed up to donate their time. This was the first time I had ever worked with this organization and was a bit excited to see what they had in store for us. We watched a video that showed us where the food comes from and who it helps out. It was interesting to know that the bulk of the donations come from large organizations. The food that get sorted by the volunteers gets delivered to senior citizens, children whose families cannot afford to eat on a regular basis, and many more.

We were assigned the duty of "Juice". As you can see, it meant placing 2 large bottles of apple juice into the plastic bags that were inside the bins. This was our job for the next three hours. It was amazingto see the rows of people setting up the bins and bags, then to go down the row and see one volunteer after another placing their specific item into each bag. By the end of the day, we were tired, yet happy knowing that our dirty hands and aching shoulders would help someone else have a meal for the day or even week.

It was quite a sight to see all the bins stacked  up high for just a few hours of work. Definetly worthwhile!

(Note: These pictures were taken from my iphone rather than my D40)

Volunteering at the Diabetes Walk - November 2010

Volunteering is really beginning to become a passion for me. It feels amazing being able to give up my time in order to help someone else that may really need it. No thank you's needed, just the warmth in  my heart. I've decided that I was going to spend at least one day each month giving up my time in order to help out a worthy cause. For the month of November 2010, the diabetes walk was the best opportunity to give back.

This year's Diabetes walk was held early morning in the backlot of Universal Studio's Hollywood. It was a three mile walk with two rest stations set up for the walkers. My portion of the volunteer duties was to hand out water, frutis, and snacks at rest stop #2. It was inspiring to see children, adults, grandparents, and families walking for a cause. Again, I was pretty inspired by not only the walkers, but by the countless volunteers who dedicated their Sunday morning to help a great cause!

Volunteer for the Nephcure Foundation - November 2010

I decided that volunteer work would be the next step in giving back to my community and finding things that I can become more passionate about. I found this organization on volunteermatch.com. It was for the Nephcure Walk which was being held in Santa Monica, CA. This particular walk deals with persons who suffer from nephrotic syndrome which affects the kidneys. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I lost my father about four years ago to Kidney failure. With that connection, I decided that this cause would be my first volunteer opportunity.

I arrived bright and early at the Santa Monica Pier and met with the volunteer coordinator, Catherine Lepone. She was an amazing person working for a great cause. I met some wonderful people who shared their stories about the family members that suffered from nephrotic syndrome. Everyone from patients, family, and even doctors from UCLA arrieved to show their support. In addition to general help with set up, information, and breakdown of the booths, I luckily brought by D40 (which I carry everywhere!). This gave me an opportunity to volunteer by doing something I love...taking photographs!

Overall, this is a great organization, and I hope to volunteer again next year for the Nephcure walks!

Kidney Walk 2010 - October 2010

One of the other goals of the year was to get out and give back more. I didn't get started on this goal until closer to the end of the year, but I found a cause that was truly meaningful to me. I decided to join the 2010 National Kidney Foundation, Kidney Walk. The background is that when I was younger, my father was diagnosed with kidney failure. He was only given a few years to live, but he survived well past what the doctors had predicted. He underwent dialysis in order to survive, and by the time a kidney was available for transplant, his body was too weak to accept the kidney. He passed away four years ago with his long battle with kidney failure. 

I found this walk online and signed up to be a walker. My mom and sister were so inspired by my efforts, they decided to join with me. Knowing how poor the economy is and that most people didn't have extra money to spare, I posted my cause on my facebook page at an attempt to receive donations. I was extremely surprised to find out that people had opened their hearts and donated to my cause! I was able to raise $300 in 10 days! If you add the money that my mom and sister raised, the grand total came to $800! From friends that I've known since childhood, to friends that I've only met once in my life, to old bosses, neighbors, family, and friends that are thousands of miles away, donations came in! Even if friends were unable to donate, they provided me with words of support! Although I've already said it at the time, I am so very thankful to have such wonderful people with big hearts in my life!

The walk began at 8:00 am! It was a gloomy day with on and off sprinkles. Even with the poor weather, hundreds of people came out to participate and show their support for the Kidney Foundation...It was pretty inspiring to be a part of something larger than myself. Next year, I plan to be on the other side and volunteer for such a great cause...