I recently had the pleasure of working with one of the most selfless and altruistic groups that I have seen in my short 14-year life. This group is the Hinsdale Community Service Food Pantry. It collects food from various people and organizations, such as churches and schools, and distributes the food, at no cost, to needy people.
During the Thanksgiving season, an entire room was dedicated to the large amount of food brought in from those who care. The volunteers and workers put a lot of effort into making the food pantry an inviting place for those who need it. As a food pantry volunteer, I have seen how willing and eager the community is to help those less fortunate.
I am amazed at the similarities between the food pantry recipients and the workers, volunteers and even everyone else I know. The more I volunteer, the more I appreciate our similarities. The only differences I can see between the recipients, workers, volunteers and food donators is the amount of money each group has. While you do not see the recipients drive up in expensive cars or wear expensive clothing, you do see happy families and nice people all working together. Just as the recipients are grateful for the food, the workers and volunteers are grateful for the opportunity to help. The same look of joy is shared in the eyes of recipients, food donators, helpers and volunteers.
Experiencing the altruistic qualities of those involved in the food pantry has created for me one of those life-defining moments.
I have developed a deeper appreciation that we are all the same. I now understand that those who contribute are actually receiving more than those who receive. This simple life lesson, thanks to those associated with the Hinsdale Community Service Food Pantry, has left me heartened and I hope that others, during this holiday season, share in the same joy and warmth that I have received.
