Volunteering Does the Heart Good

Not too long after moving to Arlington I found a wonderful dog park for Dante. A block away from the park was a place called AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center). I noticed people standing outside on a daily basis. At the time I wasn’t quite sure why people were standing in line, but I figured it was a food bank or something of the sort. 

Over a year and a half ago on a bright sunny day I walked into AFAC and inquired about what they did. After speaking with the volunteer coordinator I discovered that it was a non-profit organization that provided supplemental groceries to people in need. I had only been in the DC area for a few months. I was feeling lonely because Billy was travelling all the time. My circle of friends had not been developed yet, plus I wasn't working. Needless to say, I had a lot of idle time on my hands. I quickly asked if they needed a volunteer. Of course, they answered.  After signing a few forms I began to volunteer every Wednesday from 9-1pm in the distribution center. This was one of the best things I did while living in Arlington. 

I helped serve people from all walks of life. This opened my eyes to the food insecurity issues America faces. In Arlington alone, 14,900 people don't have enough to eat. Some of our clients were people who were unemployed because of physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Others were families who had applied for food stamps and had not started receiving them yet. Others were elderly people who had to choose between buying their medication or food. Thank goodness for organizations such as AFAC who is aware of this situation and works with local grocers, charities, farmers and restaurants in order to help people in need.  It's absurd when you realize how much food is tossed away by grocery stores and restaurants on a daily basis when it could be donated.

The staff members and other volunteers were a delight to work with. Our Wednesday crew was especially close. During those few hours we would chat quite a bit and find new things out about each other. One of the volunteers would treat our group to coffee every time he was there. On occasion we'd all meet for lunch and get to know one another even more. Each one of us had a reason and purpose to be there. 

My last day at AFAC was over 3 weeks ago. I am grateful to have been part of a such a great organization. Volunteering during those few hours, once a week, no matter the race, religion or sex, we worked together; staff and client. I was able to serve and fill my heart with joy. That's the beauty of volunteering.