My Learning Experience as a Volunteer at a Salvation Army

Service Learning Reflection Journal

For this service learning project, I decided to volunteer at the local Salvation Army that is located on West North Ave. I volunteered at this location on May 25, 2018 for approximately five hours. This had been my first-time familiarizing with this organization, and I had discovered it through a banner I saw near the mall. I became curious as to what it was all about and facilitated some research via the internet. After learning about this charity store, I felt obligated to help as much as I possibly could because the organization appeared to be very worthy in my opinion because it helps provide clothes and other necessities to individuals at a very low price. My volunteering at Salvation Army would be an experience that I would never forget!

When I called this establishment, they were very eager to have me come in and help. I spoke with a woman by the name of Melissa and she said that the organization is struggling to keep up with the received donations. When I arrived to Salvation Army I was given a tour and told what exactly I would be doing. As many of you may know, this store takes in donations from locals in the area. From there they must sort and price these items.

During my service, I helped in this area primarily. There was a storage facility, and individuals would drop bags and boxes off. I would go to their cars and unload the items and take them inside to the storage area. From there I would help other volunteers sort them, but I was not given the opportunity to price them because I had no knowledge in such departments. Nonetheless, this experience was very rewarding because I was granted the opportunity to help them in such a dire need.

My initial expectations were excitement and eagerness. I had not done much volunteering before; however, I think it is a necessary part of life. When I saw the banner, I was anticipating lending a hand. I think organizations such as Salvation Army really help a lot of individuals out. When I was on the tour, Melissa had explained many things they do for people. Even when some individuals do not have money, they help them out, which is untypical for most of these charity stores. She also claimed that sometimes they give furniture and other household items when families cannot afford them.

I was very blessed to be given such an opportunity, and I was excited from the very beginning. However, I was unaware of the amount of impact it would have on me, which was way more than expected. Many aspects of my service appeared to be effective for the community. I understand that some people in our community have little resources to work with and therefore need help getting back on their feet. Salvation Army really helps these people, and they were way in over their heads with donations. So, by my service, they could catch up a little bit. By doing so, more people can obtain the items they have in their facility.

The UN Global Sustainability Goal’s list numerous options that help the world. This project is directly related to their goal of no poverty. Although this organization does not necessarily end poverty, it put forth effort in doing so. This is true, because they provide business clothes for people looking for jobs. By obtaining a job, these individuals have a better chance of getting out of poverty. I think it also tries to combat issues of inequality because everyone deserves an equal shot of success in this world, despite being low on cash.

Conclusion

Numerous things were learned through this project. The most important one is to be humble. Since right now is Ramadan, we are supposed to humble ourselves and place ourselves in the lives of the less fortunate. This is why we fast and are asked to abstain from certain things. Now that I see how some individuals cannot even afford basic needs such as clothing, I will try my hardest to not indulge in buying expensive things. Also, I felt good about doing a good deed because I do not do this often. I play to volunteer at this location a few more times throughout the summer.