What It Meant to Volunteer After Hurricane Sandy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What It Meant to Volunteer After Hurricane Sandy

I learned how important it is to, "pay it forward"

6
What It Meant to Volunteer After Hurricane Sandy
Athena Sher

I believe that it is important to “pay it forward,” and by doing this you must be able to benefit someone other than yourself. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine; however, there are three specific instances where I believe that I have played an important leading role. Perhaps the most influential volunteer work I have done was during Super Storm Sandy. I live on Staten Island, and with that said, we as a community were affected tremendously. Unlike many other individuals, I, fortunately, did not suffer extensive amounts of damage; although, those who lived near the water lost their homes, some were severely injured, and others lost family members and pets. Seeing the pain circulating around Staten Island at the time made me think, “How can I help those devastated by something so horrific?” My aunt and I decided to travel to the areas of Staten Island that were affected most, like the North Shore. We brought clothes, food, water, and other basic necessities and walked miles with a cart handing out the supplies to everyone who was in need. The damage was horrific, there was debris in the streets, phone lines were strewn, and families outside were trying to salvage whatever hope they had left.

As my aunt and I walked through the streets, you could see to what extent the toll of the storm had taken on families. That's when I decided that I needed to do more. My aunt and I went to housing stations that were set up around Staten Island. We offered comfort, support, and supplies to families who had been pushed out by the storm, and then we set up a fundraiser with the help of my aunt’s friends. At the fundraiser, we donated toys, clothes, electronics, and food to families who had lost everything. All of the volunteers were dressed as elves since Christmas was approaching, and we did our best to fill each child with joy and hope. Some of the children were extremely young and had lost everything, yet they still smiled and kept their heads held high.

I believe my involvement made a difference because I was giving the families a chance to refrain from thinking about such tragedy even with a little conversation. I enjoyed seeing the glimmer of hope that crossed an individual's face when I asked if they needed help. Some asked me to sit and would then talk about everything they had lost, and some would tell me about their pasts to escape the present. My involvement was important not only to me but to all of these people that were affected by the storm. I believe that I was making a difference, even if it was a small one. I was letting those who were affected know that people still care. Not only did I make a difference in all of the lives that I had come in contact with, but they also had made a difference in mine. I realized how fortunate I am and that it is always important to “pay it forward.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26609
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11116
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8226
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments