According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of Kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate”. It’s no secret the past three years have been immensely difficult, and everyone has had to show great flexibility to continue to move forward. Currently, for people all over the world, the year presented many rewards, and many tragedies followed. Despite being confronted by tragedies, people still found it within themselves to demonstrate kindness towards one another.
I believe kindness is what helped continue to comfort and help push everyone forward day to day. Kindness doesn’t always have to be the grandest gesture ever, in fact, it can be shown by the subtlest of actions. Some examples are sending a neighbor lasagna, which is, in fact, what my CEO did for me, being an ear to listen when someone has had a rough week at school or work, and my favorite way which is helping within the community. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to help within my community recently. Three of my co-workers and I volunteered at Second Helpings: Indianapolis Hunger Relief Agency. Second Helpings is an Indianapolis nonprofit addressing Food Rescue, Hunger Relief, and Culinary Job Training in Central Indiana. I learned during volunteering that Second Helpings operate based on volunteers and partners with many partner agencies within Indiana. They don’t just collect food donations, but they repurpose and cook meals to give out. During the four hours of volunteering, my coworkers and I made and packaged sandwiches. It seemed like a small task, but we were told that sometimes the only meal of the day people have to eat is sandwiches. And they make a huge difference for individuals. While we made the sandwiches, music played, and we all worked together, and, more importantly, got the opportunity to connect outside of work.
Overall, we spent 4 hours at Second Helpings, and it was 4 hours, I believe, well spent. After I had finished, I felt really good that my contribution could help make someone else’s life better. I enjoyed the experience so much that my partner and I signed up to volunteer two weeks later. This time we didn’t make sandwiches but prepared to-go boxes of meals. In addition, we cut and prepared fresh vegetables to be used in meals. Again, it was a fulfilling experience I hope I can return soon. In the words of Barbara De Angelis, “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and bless you, the giver”. I will continue to demonstrate kindness whenever and however, I can!
