My Nonprofit Reviews

My experience was wonderful. Amazing and crazy all at the same time. I was one of the volunteers who helped the first year of summer camp. Little did I know that Magin doesn't really live in the same reality the rest of us do. She doesn't understand the word can't or too hard. She only sees the goals she sets and the dreams that come to her. With that said, Magin we all love you, but you are really hard to keep up with. I was asked to share a story about my experience with your organization. I would like to share the bus ride on the way to camp. Yes out of a 6 week summer camp experience, the first day of bus stops was more than an eye opener. I got on the bus with Magin to pick up the children. Stop after stop across half the island was just the beginning of what I saw. Magin got off the bus at each stop and made sure all the children that were scheduled to be there were there. She walked them to their seats and gave them there snacks. Off to the next stop with a smile on her face. Well that is what I observed about her, but as a volunteer I saw a different aspect to the first day of summer camp. I noticed at each stop the children would get on the bus unprepared for this sleepover camp. I watched the children jump on the bus without extra clothing, no sleeping bags, and some without shoes. One stop was just amazing. Two little boys got on the bus, Magin asked, "Who are you"? The cousin stated said they could go to camp because their mom couldn't take care of them anyway for the summer. They boys didn't say a word. Magin got off the bus talked to the aunt and off we went with these two boys.The boys still not saying a word sat there, no shoes, not even shirts on their backs. They eat their snack and then spoke to each other in German. Yes, they never spoke English, and were here on a bus to camp with nothing. Magin didn't seemed phased, just smiled and talked with all the children about the fun they were going to have at camp. Finally after two hours we arrive at camp. Magin lined up all the children and took their names and clothing and shoe sizes. Then walked them up to the sleeping areas and told the children to choose their sleeping bags and pillows. Took them to the bathrooms told them to get their towels and personal hygeine boxes. Off she went, a few hours later she was back with outfits and shoes for all the children. Okay, I thought, this is crazy!!! CRAZY. As if that wasn't enough to send my head spinning, on Friday when the children went home for the weekend, Magin filled their arms with extra and left over food items. Amazing, this is only the first week, and she has done more for these children than any one can imagine. Monday morning once again we get on the bus, yet the children don't have their clothes, shoes, nothing....what is going on I thought to myself. Magin goes off to the store again, brought back all the supplies the keiki were missing like nothing at all. I asked her what was she thinking? She told me she never expected that, but obviously the children needed this. She asked some of the children what they did with the stuff she bought. They had different responses, such as: my sister needed my shoes, or I lost my toothbrush, or I don't know it was in my tent when I was there....stuff like that. So, she just smiled and gave them a hug and their new stuff. This is the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. So, Magin keep up your good work, and never loose your heart. Without you, there is no Christmas Wish, and without you they have no hope.

More Feedback