Philanthropy and Volunteer Efforts by Kiki Sin

I’m extremely passionate about volunteer work and helping others because I understand what it feels like to be stuck in a circumstance that is sometimes beyond your control, a victim of life circumstances. I’m a product of refugees who escape a genocide. We had a roof over our heads and food on the table, but my parents struggled, and the world looked down on us, as if we did not belong here.

I wanted to give people hope and make others feel worthy. I have pushed and encouraged others around me to get involved. We have one life and I want to leave a legacy. Maybe, one day, the kids I have helped during “adopt-a-family,” will grow up to be a doctor, a senator, or the next President.

The more I became involved with helping people, like passing out food to the homeless on skid row and taking the time to listen to their stories, the more my empathy for others grew. During my time with “adopt-a-family,” I had met families and good citizens who had held full-time jobs and paid their taxes yet slept in their cars just to get back on their feet. I believe in second chances, and sometimes, “hard work” is not enough in this world. Sometimes luck isn’t on our side.

My daily encounters with others have also evolved as I make sure to say good morning/afternoon to people I make eye contact with. I ask others how their day is going because you just don’t know what others are going through. What we may think is minor or normal life struggles can be an uphill battle for someone else. I put a little more effort into small talks, like at the grocery store, and hopefully, I brighten up their day even if it is just a little.

The first step to getting involved is to decide your passion. Is your passion helping animals, veterans, or the needy? Next, search within your local community. It is simple! Half the battle is wanting to do it.  There’s no excuse as to why people can’t give back to their community. If you cannot donate money, then donate time. We all have 24 hours in a day, it just depends on how we prioritize it.

Another option when it comes to donating is to keep a “blessings package” in your car. Blessings buys may include water, snacks, socks, and toiletry items for when there is a homeless person on the side of the road or freeways. I typically carry extra protein bars and I always take my left-over foods just in case I see a homeless person on the streets. Simple things and a little effort make a huge difference.

We can all make a difference, just start within your neighborhoods and communities.