(http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/03/08/Parish-kitchen-marks-30-years.html)

I first volunteered at this local Toledo, Ohio soup kitchen when I was in Middle School. I carried some of the heavier groceries out to the parish members’ cars. I did not really have any authority. People just looked at me and said thank you when I placed the bags in their trunk. Now, I have advanced in the program and help run the Thanksgiving and Christmas food drive. The same eighth graders, who I once was, ask me for advice and how they can help. I delegate tasks and pick up/deliver food donations from local supermarkets and grocery stores. I then distribute on a “FIFO” (First IN, First Out) basis in order for food not to spoil

I love feeling like I actually make a difference in the community. My only regret is not being able to contribute more frequently. It is a once a week soup kitchen that circulates leftover and donated food from other food banks. However, it is a hard job to do. It really breaks your heart when you see families struggling. I never appreciated how blessed I really am until I saw how thankful some of the families were after receiving just a few loaves of expired bread. Growing up in such an environment allowed me to develop into a more caring and compassionate individual. Working at Our Lady of Lourdes assisted in the development of my maturity and made me a stronger leader.