My Volunteer Experience

During my summer break, I had the meaningful opportunity to volunteer with the Mayflower Foundation, dedicating my time to support elderly care centers and orphanages. This experience not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also taught me valuable lessons about empathy, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. Our volunteer work began with a meeting at one of the member’s house, where we gathered to assess the needs of the elderly and children we planned to help. We carefully planned and organized the purchases, making sure each resident and child would receive a thoughtful package filled with essential items and gifts. The preparation phase was crucial to ensure that every package was complete and that nothing was overlooked. The delivery process took two days. On the first day, we visited the elderly care center. We brought items such as milk, snacks, towels, and other necessities that could make their daily lives more comfortable. To engage with the elderly residents, we played a game that involved completing missing Vietnamese idioms, which brought joy and stimulated their minds. We spent about an hour talking with them, listening to their stories. Afterward, we helped clean up the area, showing our respect and care for their living environment before heading back.

The second day was dedicated to the orphanage, where we were greeted by a lively group of children full of energy and excitement. We had prepared several games to play with them, which helped build a warm and friendly atmosphere. After the games, we distributed school supplies to support their education. We also prepared lunch for the children, making kimbap and fried chicken, which they enjoyed heartily. Our time there was filled with smiles and happiness, and we left around noon, feeling fulfilled and grateful for the experience. Volunteering with the Mayflower Foundation was a rewarding journey that deepened my understanding of community service. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in people’s lives. This experience has inspired me to continue volunteering and contributing to society whenever I can.