The Unforgettable Impact From Volunteering at the Food Bank by Angel

The Unforgettable Impact From Volunteering at the Food Bank by Angel - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

The Chesterfield Food Bank is a non-profit organization that involves passionate volunteers and leaders who desire to give back to the community. Every week, the organization receives an immense amount of food donations, allowing every family in need to receive a generous amount of food and nonperishable items they need in order to stay healthy. On every Saturday of the month, the food bank is held at an elementary school, enabling many volunteers and passionate individuals to give back to their community and to make a difference in someone's life.
The food banks works by splitting volunteers into two groups. One group of volunteers are in charge of the food items, such as vegetables, dairy products, and pastries. These individuals make sure every food item is organized and is placed inside every family's cart. The other group of volunteers are in charge of pushing the shopping carts and stopping by each food category to make sure every family receives a well balanced food supply. These individuals deliver the filled food cart to the family's car and unload the food for them. These two hard working groups work cooperatively and at a fast pace to make sure the food bank runs smoothly and efficiently.
The Chesterfield Food Bank has had major impact on how I now perceive the world and how I have changed as an individual. Before volunteering at the food bank, I was disconnected from my community and afraid to step out of my comfort zone to help others. However, after hearing that the food bank operates every Saturday at elementary schools close to where I live, I realized this was the perfect opportunity for me to show less fortunate families that there are individuals in our society willing to spend time helping them. By going to the food bank on Saturdays, I saw the faces of individuals light up due to what may have been a small action to me but was a meaningful action for them. As I helped unload the shopping carts for different individuals, I felt a sense of purpose and that the actions I was making were significant and vital to connecting the community. I have also now become a part of a huge, loving group of volunteers who share the same purpose and goal. By working together with individuals who all desire to help their community as much as possible, I have become a more open-minded individual who is no longer afraid to voice my opinions and have gained communication and problem-solving skills. I have gained many opportunities and a self-reflection on my values and morals by volunteering at the food bank. Thus, I will continue to volunteer at the food bank and will never forget the impact it has had on me.