The quote I chose to use for this essay is “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” By Audrey Hepburn.
I actually heard this quote while in high school and it stuck with me for a while. For as long as I can remember I have had a nanny that has helped my family very much. She has been around for so long that her family has pretty much became mine. I remember when I was little, my mom use to always give her a bunch of clothes and just stuff that was nice, but were just material objects. As a kid at the time, I had thought I had nothing to contribute, but a few years later I realized that I do.
When I was in high school, each year my cheerleading team and I would come together to make food baskets for families that were less fortunate around thanksgiving time. The food did not have to just be for thanksgiving, but for everyday life also. Seeing how happy this deed made the people that received the food baskets really changed my perspective on giving to others. Since then, I have tried my best to contribute to others whenever I can. When I go home to south Florida from school, I always pay a visit to my old nanny’s neighborhood. I bring some of my clothes, shoes, and stuff like that for her, her family in South America, and neighbors because many of them cannot afford new clothes that fit them. Also, since my dad owns a deli, I stock up on some food from there before heading over and make sure I have enough so that everyone can get some.
This thanksgiving, even though I am not in high school anymore and not home in south Florida, I decided to make a basket and some dishes for my nanny this thanksgiving. It was tough work cooking for a bunch of people but it was worth it. I went to the store and got a few boxes of stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, the usual stuff. I made apple pies and brownies with the help of my sister. My dad donated a couple of turkeys from his deli as well.
When it was finally time to bring it to my nanny, I knew I made the right choice. I have never seen such a big smile that it brought tears to my eyes. Doing this deed was not a strain on my thanksgiving day and it made someone that I love and care about and her peers feel great. Helping others that are less fortunate does not take much effort but often we are too lazy or forget to do it. I have given people meals on thanksgiving before with a group, but never on my own. This is a thanksgiving tradition I will continue and will ry to convince others to do. Also, this made me want to be more charitable and helpful to my community in any way I can. There is no better feeling than the one that you get after you know you have made a difference, not matter if it is big or small.
