One sunny
afternoon my father and I were driving down north Michigan Ave, on the
Magnificent Mile. All of a sudden my dad said to me, “See that man over there”
I replied,
“Yea dad, he’s going through the garbage, he’s a bum”
My dad
replied, “That’s right, he can take care of himself for a long time just going
through garbage and finding what others have thrown away. He can survive that
way. Anyone who lives life only taking care of them self and does nothing for
anyone else is no better than a bum.” Those
words have stuck with me to this very day.
TV journalist and anchor Tom Brokaw once
said: “It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.” I attended a meeting on the University of Chicago
campus sponsored by a group called Intervarsity Christians. I was amazed at the
attendance. There must have been 125 – 150 people there. They were serving
delicious Asian food dishes. They organized a bag stuffing session to fill
hundreds of gift bags with necessity hygiene items to give to the homeless and
needy people. The event was well organized with a room full of positive
Christian energy. I was impressed.
I asked two of the attendees why they volunteer
and their responses were:
“I want to volunteer and help others
because it is God's calling for us to love other people selflessly through our
actions and words. Ultimately, it is because God loved us first that we are
able to love other people, and once we receive God's love into our hearts, we
are convicted to share this same love with those around us. Volunteering and
doing community service is a very active way for me to show God's love to
people in need; it is very humbling because volunteering has opened my eyes and
made me aware of just how much spiritual and physical brokenness there is in
the community. We can't be stuck in our own bubble, doing everything for
ourselves and trying to climb higher up the success ladder. Doing volunteer
work keeps me in touch with the reality and to not lose myself in selfish
worldly pursuits; it reminds me that our lives are only worth living if they
shine a light in other people's lives. In high school, I worked with a
teen-run non-profit organization (Hand Up Youth Food Pantry) that actively
fights against hunger in San Diego, California. We hosted food drives and led
food distributions that served the homeless, military families, low-income
families, teen mothers, and anyone in need. I also did advocacy work to promote
anti-hunger legislation by meeting with legislators and raising awareness about
hunger. I chose this cause because it was astonishing to me that so many
families didn't have access to nutritious food in a city that was known as a
wealthy, tourist attraction. These people go hungry not because there isn't enough
food, but because the community isn't aware about the issue or doesn't care
enough to help them; that's why I wanted to help raise awareness, to arouse the
community's attention, and to actively help San Diegans in need.”
“The main reason for my volunteering really goes
back to what I believe about myself. I, personally, believe that I was a broken
person, sinful and fallen, until Jesus Christ redeemed me. I know that if I am
in a more socio-economically advantageous place, it is not because I am better
than anyone else, but rather only by the grace of God--nothing of myself.
Volunteering and getting connected with the community is one way of being
grateful for my undeserved blessings and giving back the things that don't
belong to me in the first place-my time and my energy, among other things.”
When I asked a McCormick student why she
volunteered her response was most touching:
Why I volunteer:
I am so thankful to God for giving me this
"bonus time" in my life. I do not want to squander it or use it
foolishly. I had breast cancer in 1982, endometrial cancer in 1993, and a
bowel resection surgery in 1995. Also I have two progressive chronic diseases:
Systemic Lupus and Crohn's disease. God has given me a vibrant life and I want
to thank him for this extra time, using it to be a servant to others. I like to
organize opportunities so that others can serve him too. A project may look
complicated, but each person can do just one thing and all will be well. All I
ask is that you come and help me.
What do I get from volunteering?
I get a sense of "doing something." Too
many people talk the talk but don't walk the walk. Each little act helps
someone else. There is a famous quote about "I am only one, but I can do
one thing." I like to see the smiles on people's faces. I like to
see a relaxed composure when I serve a meal. It is important to me that
everyone knows they are valuable. I will listen to your story as I ride the bus
or train. In a little tiny way, I can be the hands and feet of Jesus. I'm not
perfect and I miss many chances, but I'm trying. I get joy and contentment,
because I tried. Also because of my health, I can't wait for next year, when
I'm retired, etc. I must do it now.
What in your nature caused you to want to volunteer
in the first place?
I saw my parents volunteer at school, church and
help the neighbors. I heard stories of grandparents taking in teens that their
parents threw out. My farmer neighbors helped each other at harvest time or
plowing and planting when someone was sick. I grew up thinking that helping was
a way of life. Everyone did it. It came naturally. In church,
Sunday school, youth group, I learned that volunteering was a way to show your
Christian concern for society. So I volunteer at my church serving hungry,
under-employed and lonely people. I guess this is just who I am.”
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