William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-11-01 / 11. szám
Second Prize -Garrett Parsons, Br. 352 Coraopolis, PA LAST SUMMER I had the pleasure of joining the Muscular Dystrophy Association with their summer camp for "Jerry's Kids." It was a hard week that entailed the bathing, feeding, and general care of campers. However, it was worth every minute of it to see the smiles on the kids' faces. I have also joined my school in the cleanup of our local town, which included landscaping a park, renovating a church and cleaning out the streets' storm drains. Third Prize Caitlin Farley, Br. 89 Homestead, PA FOR THE PAST YEAR, I have volunteered at my church food bank. Volunteering here has both humbled me and made me realize how fortunate I am. Seeing children come through with their parents makes me sad, and I worry that they have enough to eat. One day, I offered pancake mix to a family who declined because their stove was broken. That certainly got my attention because I know I can make pancakes or anything else I want because my kitchen stove works. This experience has made me realize how important it is to serve those in need. Second Prize - Renewal Students - $300 Tyler Gombash, Br. 27 Toledo, OH I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED in many volunteer activities during the past 12 months. But this one is my most memorable act. On June 5,2010, tornadoes ripped through Northwest Ohio and left death and debris in their path. Just eight miles from my home, houses were leveled, trees were uprooted and families were left homeless. I felt a strong need to help out my neighbors who were affected by this natural disaster. Forty-eight hours after the tornado hit, I was working side by side with people I did not know, cleaning up debris that was once a house. Although I did not know the homeowner, I felt the need to help. When events occur that damage a community, people rise up to help. This was a very memorable volunteer experience but I never hope to witness the impact of a tornado this close to home again. Third Sydney Blankenship, Br. 296 Springdale, PA AS A FRESHMAN at West Virginia University, I began volunteering at the Bartlett House. This shelter provides meals, toiletries, and a residence for those affected by economic hardship. Simply cooking, cleaning and providing baskets of necessities eased the lives of the Bartlett House residents. It was heartwarming to see how something as basic as shampoo could mean so much to the little girl receiving it. I plan to volunteer often; it makes me appreciate how fortunate I am to attend school. The Bartlett House has shown me that even the smallest acts can cause a major improvement in life. William Penn Life 0 November 2011 0 13
