Day 1

On February 13, 2017 Shelly and I made our first visit to a West Harlem’s Community Kitchen. Honestly, I before that day I never had volunteered at a food kitchen. Luckily, this civic engagement project gave Shelly and me the opportunity to finally pursue it!

When we first arrived we saw a line of people waiting outside the door, for what we thought was the meal services. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that this community kitchen also has a food pantry downstairs. It sadden me to see children on the line with their mothers, but I was simultaneously thankful that this organization existed to help them.  

When we finally met with the curator, she was kind enough to give us a tour of the entire facilities. It was very humbling and astonishing to see everyone at work- playing their special role in this selfless act. We equipped ourselves with aprons, gloves, and hairnets before diving into our tasks.

That day, Shelly and I assisted in the breading of fish fillets, cleaning the floors, organizing the kitchen supplies, and distributing take-home meals for the elderly. I will never forget the expression of gratitude on each and every one of their faces. It was truly beautiful to see how something as small as a smile could make all the difference.