Be Inspiring Month: Even the Smallest Things

My favorite community service experience was through last year’s Choose to Matter project. Choose to Matter is a program that inspires girls to help their communities. Last year, I collected holiday gifts for 25 African refugee children. My family and friends came together and helped me to get items off of the “wish list” of what each child needed as well as other special gifts and treats.

My favorite part was being able to deliver the gifts to the children. We got a couple of new Barbies and even a bike for a child! But, they were the most excited about the socks and school supplies that they received. It really put things in perspective to see people genuinely grateful to get something so "normal" as socks or school supplies. The experience was very humbling and I am very thankful that I did it!

Be Inspiring Month: Providing Joy

Community Service for me is more than giving back to those around me because I've been so blessed. I see at as making a connection with the world around me and finding the inner peace of knowing that someone is going to have an easier and happier time in life because of my contribution.

I have so many favorite community service experiences so it's hard to pick just one, but I loved helping out at the Special Olympics in Orlando, Florida with Julie Foudy and Choose to Matter. Seeing all of the smiles and the great sportsmanship from the Olympians faces made my day!  I hope to one day work with the Special Olympics again!