My first day

I mentioned once  a little while ago about how I was feeling like I wanted to start volunteering more.  They way I see it, I have the time to give back to the community at this part of my life, in the fact that I don’t have kids nor do I have a long commute.  I figured I could certainly do something.

So, I tweeted about wanting to volunteer, got some suggestions and settled on the non-profit organization Miriam’s Kitchen.  Their mission is to provide individualized services that address the causes and consequences of homelessness in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, both directly and through facilitating connections in Washington, DC.  They provide free, homemade meals and support services to more than 4,000 homeless men and women each year.  Since I work full time, I am only able to help during the morning shift which is 6am-8:15am.  It’s located about 5 miles from where I live, and it’s right off the metro line which makes getting there fairly easy.  I’ve agreed to one Wednesday a month and one Thursday a month, and today was my first day!

I got up at the ungodly hour of 4:30, showered, walked the dog, got dressed, ate breakfast, packed up for the day and hoofed it to the metro.  I arrived a little after 6, walked in (with a little help from one of the patrons showing me the correct door, haha, oops!) and got to prepping watermelon and cucumber. 

Once everything was ready, I helped work the serving line and handed out food to patrons as they came through.  This morning, we served:

• Pancakes with syrup or strawberry puree
• Plain scrambled eggs or scrambled eggs with salmon, herbs and cream cheese
• Country potatoes
• Bagel or scone
• Watermelon
• Salad with tomatoes (red and yellow!) and cucumbers in a balsamic vinaigrette
• Coffee
• Milk
• Orange Juice

(My piddly bowl of oatmeal with protein powder sort of paled in comparison to this buffet feast!)

Once the breakfast shift was over I helped wash trays, sweep up, and then left around 8:25.  I hopped back on the metro and arrived at work at the same exact time as any normal day.  I just had to change clothes. 

Starting the day off by serving those in need really set my day off on the right foot.  Sure, the 4:30 alarm was tough, but once I got moving, it didn’t really feel any different than getting up for a 6am group exercise class.

I’m proud of myself for taking the steps to volunteer and I look forward to my next shift!  (I will be sure to take photos next time.)