“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” - Audrey Hepburn
I decided to do my service project at the new homeless shelter in Tallahassee. I felt like I could make a difference in the community by serving those in need right here at home. I volunteered a total of 15 hours at the Kearney Center during November. I had the opportunity to meet people that were down and having a hard time. I worked in the kitchen and served food to others. It was nice to be a part of something that everyone enjoys...eating! I served food to others and helped put a smile on their face. Little things like that, make it enjoyable and make me want to come back to do it again. I really enjoyed talking with some of the people. I always worked the lunch shift. I came in about 10:00 am on those days and worked until 1:30. The main thing I was responsible for was set up and serving. I had to help sanitize everything that is used for mealtime. I rolled silverware up, helped cook and took out the trash. I also helped prepare meals for the following day and placed it in the refrigerator. I will have to say that while I did enjoy the experience, it wasn't all flowers, spice and everything nice. I was extremely shocked, but the majority of the people I helped serve food to, did not even say thank you. Every meal they eat at the shelter is completely free and there are three meals served each day. The fact that most people were not appreciative for being fed several times a day is crazy! The cook and kitchen manager even said a few times out loud to me that it is shocking to him too. He worked as the lead chef at Applebee’s for 9 years before coming to the Kearney Center. He said now it is a lot less stressful than working in a busy restaurant, but he also said that he had more people thank him that PAID for their food than at the homeless shelter. There were a few that were very thankful and expressed that several times before leaving the dining area. Those are the people that make it worth going back. Overall I had a good time and would encourage others to volunteer their time at the shelter. I
