My Nonprofit Reviews

I've always wanted to give back to the community. Do my benevolence, but kids, work and a busy lifestyle didn't give me a chance to pursue that desire. Two years back, a colleague's husband asked me to help volunteer at a homeless shelter. I went there not knowing what a big turning point it would be for me. It was a breakfast event. We cooked menu items like pancakes, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, sausages, and oatmeal. Cereal, milk, and fruit were also served. As a first time volunteer after the cooking was done, I was asked to help serve the people in the shelter. The smiles and varied emotions on individuals lining to get a plate full of breakfast shook my heart. After this, I sat in my car and started thinking about the times I complained to God about the things I couldn't have. Tears start flowing from my eyes, as I realized how unnecessary those complaints were. After all, I'm blessed to have a roof on my head and food on my plate every night. Not everyone around us is so fortunate.
A lot of the shelters for homeless that are privately or government funded lack hot and nutritious meals. As a volunteer for Community Seva, I visit various homeless shelters around the Bay area and cook and serve hot meals to homeless people. We also raise funds and distribute blankets, care bags and supplies to women, children and elderly in need. Where my effort might be very small, together with joining hands and spreading awareness towards this issue can help in saving the lives and well-being of thousands in need. When you hear a little child or elderly come to you and say "Thank You!" because she got a plate full of much needed delicious meal in a critical time of their life, that smile is worth waking up early in the morning and preparing a variety of dishes to share my good fortune with someone who is down on their luck.
I also take my kids with me to volunteer to family shelters so they can learn to give back. We try to keep celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries simple and use those funds to sponsor a meal when we can. I took a little step in my life to participate in lending a hand. If everyone who is fortunate to have a bed to sleep at night can play a little part, physically, monetarily or emotionally, we can tackle this ongoing issue. Let's open our hearts and make sure no one goes hungry or with out the basic necessities.