Service Hours Help Students Give Back
May 19, 2014
As the second semester concludes, students stress not only about exams, but also service hours.
Do I have enough? Do I need more? Did I do this right? How will it affect me?
However, a midst the chaos of tracking hours, schedules, organizing logs, writing reflections, etc., we often forget the true purpose of volunteering: Giving back to the community.
Just recently, I, as a requirement for confirmation, had to complete five hours of service from an organization pre-approved of by my church. Reluctantly, I selected Metropolitan Ministries, a local homeless shelter, oblivious to the experience that was to follow.
As I arrived, I was welcomed by a young woman who spent her free time working with this institution. She guided me through a long, narrow hallway that eventually led to an open room where those, seeking shelter, lounged around, eagerly waiting for their names to be called to receive clothing and food.
I was quickly assigned the task of organizing clothes in the “Metro Outfitters” section. As a dawdled through the forest of clothes, a specific item appeared, standing out among the others: A uniform from my old school. I knew my family donated to Metropolitan Ministries before, but I did not expect to come in contact with a familiar piece. I wondered if this article could have possibly belonged to me. Ironically, checking the tag, I discovered it happened to be my personal uniform displayed.
From this moment, it struck me that my small donation, coincidentally winding up at the same time and place that I had, can impact those in the strangest ways.
Here are some great places to volunteer at in the Tampa Bay Area:
**Note: Age restriction (click link for more details)
