The fourteenth of April, both being International Good Deeds Day and also Earth Day, is a day humming with kindness, benevolence, and charity. On this magical day, the Roslyn Branch gathered at the JCC to lend a hand at the Good Deeds Day donation drive from 9:15-12:15.
Upon arrival, we set up the different tables along the donation drive-through, consisting of crafts, snacks, and gifts. Since it’s Earth Day, we clipped packs of seeds from Island Harvest to pamphlets about gardening, encouraging each drive-byers to start their own garden and give back what they’ve grown to Island Harvest. We also strived to put a smile on people’s faces by filling Smile Jars with positive affirmations and decorating the sides with stickers. Other craftier volunteers decorated sidewalks and streets with chalk to commemorate Good Deeds Day, painted pebbles to put in the friendship garden, and made friendship bracelets.
Once donors start arriving, we split into two groups. The group handling clothes, toys, and appliance donations unloaded cars, passed out receipts to the donors, and offered them seeds, snacks, and the opportunity to celebrate this moment with pictures. The group in charge of food donations organized them in the food pantry after checking the expiration date and weighing them.
In total, we collected an entire truck full of clothes and appliances and received a total of 500 pounds of food.
Watching so many people take the time to sort through objects they have, some still brand new, and give it to people all across the world is truly heartwarming and touching. Many of our volunteers have voiced their desire to also donate their things next time. In the bleary and sometimes confusing world we live in, seeing so many kindred spirits is both inspiring and hope-bringing. We hope that one day, every day will be Good Deeds Day.
Members who participated include:
Yang Amy Wu (3 hours), Serena Wu (3 hours), Jolina Wu (3 hours), Natalie Tsui (3 hours), Kayden Li (3 hours), and Kacie Li (3 hours)
Reporter: Yang Amy Wu
