We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that. - Ellen DeGeneres
Service work is not a foreign concept to me; I have always been the one in a group of people to point out the need regardless of how big or small. In my original service project proposal wrote that I intended to volunteer at the animal shelter, but turns out that the process of becoming a volunteer is more difficult that just signing up. Because this process is still going on I decided to put together a bag for veteran’s village. My bag was specifically geared towards women, containing a large towel, feminine hygiene products, Lysol wipes, a hair tie, toothbrush, and breath mints. I know that these things are things that we use every day without thinking but to someone with very little I know that these things mean the world to them. I have never thought about what it would be like to go without basic goods, especially feminine hygiene products, because I never needed to. Working on this project I realized that the things I was purchasing were things that I add to my cart without thinking. By putting together this bag I believe that I have become more aware of the things that I need and the things that I would like to think I need. This project helped me get back to basics and question items before I buy them asking myself if I truly need an item or if I would just like to have the item. I believe that the impact of a bag of basic needs can help these veterans see a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that this bag of basics gives hope to those who might not have had it in a long while along with a brighter perspective on humanity.
I chose to begin my essay with the quote from Ellen DeGeneres because it reflects exactly how I feel. I don’t like to think about living in a world without laughter, compassion, kindness, and joy, because what kind of place would that be. When given the opportunity (or when able) to provide for others the things I take for granted I will always participate. Showing compassion, kindness, and joy while sharing a laugh is simple; I believe more people weather living well within their means or not are all able to show and share these things regardless of whether they can give monetarily. Providing your time to just be a caring person is good enough, some people just need someone willing to listen to them.
*I wish I had a picture, I know I took one in your office when I dropped off my bags, but I am unable to locate at this time.
