Service Learning Reflection Journal
This service learning project required me to volunteer at West North Ave Salvation Army. For approximately five hours, I worked at the Salvation Army on West North Ave. I was unfamiliar with the organization for the first time, having seen a banner in the mall. I was curious about the organization and did some internet research to find out more. After discovering about the charity store, I felt obliged to help. The organization provides clothing and other necessities at very affordable prices. Volunteering at Salvation Army would have been an amazing experience.
I was very pleased to be able to help this place when I called. Melissa, a woman from Melissa’s household, told me that the organization has difficulty keeping up with the donations. Salvation Army gave me a tour when I arrived and explained what I would do. Many of you will know that the Salvation Army accepts donations from the local community. These items must be sorted and priced. The storage area was available for individuals to drop boxes and bags off. I would take the items to the storage space and load them in my car. Although I could help others sort them, I wasn’t allowed to price them as I did not have any knowledge of such areas. This was an amazing experience, and I felt privileged to be able help such desperate people.
I was excited and eager to start my journey. Although I have never done volunteering before, it was something I felt I needed to do. The banner caught my attention and I immediately wanted to help. Salvation Army is a great organization that helps many people. Melissa, who was my tour guide, had many wonderful things to share with us. They help people even if they don’t have the money. This is unusual for many charity shops. She said that furniture and household items are sometimes given to families who cannot afford them.
I felt very fortunate to have been given this opportunity and was extremely excited about it. It was a surprise to me how much it would have an impact on me. My service was effective in many ways. It is clear that not everyone in our community has the financial resources to support themselves. Salvation Army is a great charity that helps these people. They were in serious need of donations. My service helped them catch up. This will allow more people to access the items they already have at their facility.
Many options can be found in the UN Global Sustainability Goals. This project directly relates to their goal of ending poverty. Although the organization doesn’t necessarily eliminate poverty, they put in effort. They provide business clothing for those looking for work. These individuals are more likely to be able to find work and get out of poverty. Because everyone deserves the same chance of success, regardless of how much money they have, I believe it also addresses inequality.
This project taught me many things. It is important to remain humble. Ramadan is here, so it’s important to be humble. We fast and are asked not to eat certain foods. I am now more aware of the hardships that some people face in order to afford clothing and will do my best not to buy expensive items. It felt good to do a good thing because it is something I rarely do. I also volunteer there a few times during the summer.
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