Volunteers Un-needed
I have heard of this before. My nina told me that her and her husband got turned away for wanting to volunteer for Thanksgiving Day meals. I thought I would be smart. I would call weeks ahead and secure a spot. For sure, they would think I'm crazy organized, but let me know I can come to their soup kitchen and help with the food... that they would be happy to have such a wonderful, organized human being to join them.Nope.
I got turned away... a lot. I had to even be persistent. I called multiple kitchens (who, by the way, not all serve Thanksgiving Day meals? Isn't this your focus, your mission... feed the hungry especially on the one day a year that America promotes big meals?) Anyways, I finally got someone with the Salvation Army. I got transferred three times and then had to call another number, but got through.
I told her my sob story. I let her know it's my son's first Thanksgiving and he's spending it with his dad. So, I wanted to volunteer to give back and focus on something else for that day. She agreed... said she was full, but would take one more person (maybe two if I had a friend).
I'm in!
Woo-hoo! I get to help! This is turning out to be a busy month... an exciting month. I have always loved volunteering. The odd thing is this. I never found the time until now... after I had a kid, lol. In a way, James has helped find the time do the things I have always wanted to do. By not being able to be with him all the time, I have focused my energy on keeping busy with other things I love... and since cupcakes are expensive, wasteful (I have no one to give them to), and hard on the waistline, my next best hobby is giving back.. it's free!
Goals this month.
1. Every Thursday I'm heading to a local coffee shop to talk with Iraqi refugees. Skyline set something up to help these ESL students practice real conversations. (I just hope they don't walk away saying "dude", lol.)
2. Design the handouts for Skyline's move (flyers, signs, slides, etc.). We have a new location.
3. Volunteer at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving. (check)
4. Make Thanksgiving dinner with sister and dad on Friday after (maybe we should go out to eat instead?).
5. Make a sale. (Oh, it's my white whale.)
6. Get my mint.com account to like me (I always seem to be in the red with that guy). What can I say, I'm a giver.
7. Make sure James' dad doesn't dress him in a turkey outfit. (They will both thank me later.)
8. Figure out a Christmas budget.
9. Find James a doctor we all love.
10. Relax. (It is the holidays after all.)
11. Oh and make Scout Corn for the Terricina Gold Apartment Complex's Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday before... Almost forgot.
November 2, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I love your list! You are so organized.... so tell me, what is "Scout Corn"?
I'm so glad you found somewhere to volunteer. I've always wanted to and never have. Last year I bought enough food for 4 or 5 families which felt good :)
Is James with you on the Friday after Thanksgiving?