Nickie Shojaee day 3

At our third visit we spent most of our time bagging different breads, fruits and vegetables together to be put into larger bags to be given out to the people that came in. This was a nice and different experience than the previous time we were at SOS because the first time we put the foods in the bigger bags and saw the people that would come in and get the food and it was a bit of a more personal level, but this time, we were able to kind of see the behind the scene things that take place. This was a nice job I thought because we constantly kept busy and it felt like we got a lot done, we even had to start packaging clothes because we had finessed all the foods. I liked doing the behind the scenes work with SOS because I felt really productive and by feeling so productive it felt like more people would be benefitting. Also, it put into perspective how hard everyone there works, whether or not you are working up front or in the back doing paper work, packing food, or giving the food out.

Allison Blanning Reflection for Day 5

Today was another productive service learning day. As usual, I started out with my classmates packaging donated food into smaller containers that could be given directly to those in need. We packed oranges, some very large potatoes, onions, and cucumbers. We quickly developed an efficient assembly line that involved packaging the food, ripping new bags, and transporting the repackaged food into another crate. After working at that station for a while, Claudette and I worked in the front of the warehouse packaging food for specific people who filled out forms. We read the forms and then filled the order based on the number of people who needed food and what kind of living situation the person was in. Then, we went to the microphone and called out a number that corresponded to a ticket each person received upon entering. The best part of service learning for me is the moment when the person that you have filled the food order form comes up and receives their food. The majority of the people are extremely grateful for any food they can get, as shown through a humble smile or a firm thank you. It is so rewarding to see the direct effects of my volunteering and hard work on people in my local community.

Ford Hanour's Acute Amazing Awesome Service Learning Blog Day 4

Hello All,

Today's work made me realize that Share Our Selves is not simply about giving people free food. They provide services to people, services people cannot receive anywhere else. My good friend, Conner, and I worked in the office making copies of flyers for one of the head office workers. Next, we moved onto cutting, folding, stapling, and rubber banding small pieces of paper used for a raffle to decide who will get to see an office representative. Today, was nice because it was a change of pace from working in the kitchen. 

P.S. See you all bright and early tomorrow morning!

-Ford Hanour 

Ford Hanour's Amazingly Awesome Service Learning Blog Day 3

Today, I began by putting all my effort into packing a handful of green beans into plastic bags. This reminded of my last visit in which I contributed by packing fish sticks into small plastic bags. For the second half of my visit at Share Our Selves, I harnessed my energy into packing bags of food for those in need. This made me feel all good inside because I was able to see my work directly help those who are in need. Overall, I felt very rewarded because I knew that my work was not a waste of time.

Conner Ascher Service Learning: Day 4

On our previous visit to share ourselves I was packaging and distributing food in the front room, which I liked very much. But today I worked in the office with Ford. This was my first time working in the office, and it was very different from the working in the front room. We made copies, and we also cut out paper and stapled the edges for a lottery drawing. It seemed like busy work, but I realized that the job was important because share ourselves could not possibly work with everyone, on each day. And that job being done was a lot more important than we thought. After we finished we went and helped Maddie, Robbe, Nickie, and Leo package apples and cucumbers. It was a long day but, we were able to accomplish a lot more than we thought we could have.

Conner Ascher Service Learning Day:3

Today I packed food in bags and distributed them to the people in need. This was my first time working in the ditribution area, and along with knowing that I made a difference firsthand to these people. I also was able to meet some other volunteers who helped me work in the ditribution area. Their experience and knowledge helped me not only feel that I was doing my job correctly, but that what I was doing had more meaning to the community around S.O.S. than just giving out food.

Claudette Vaught - Day 4 Reflection

On our previous service learning day first, we packaged pastries and donuts. This activity wasn't very exciting however I enjoyed bonding with my classmates. Next we bagged oranges and cucumbers and like the previous job we were assigned, I didn't find this very engaging but I felt like we had a real bonding experience with my classmates. Lastly, Allison and I worked with other volunteers on filling the requests of those in need this was my favorite part, as it was on our service learning day 3. I really like making a connectuion with the people who are reciving the food we package and seeing our good work be put to use. I'm very excited to have our next service learning day and participate in more bonding with my classmates and connecting with those in need.