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Small Acts, Big Impact
I might be young, only thirteen, but I love seeing people come together to help others. That’s why when a store in my town square shut down and a local food pantry opened, I automatically signed up to help. All kinds of people came in—older people who were homeless or didn’t have much. Younger people struggling after getting out on their own. Women with children to feed and a small wage. Even single fathers with babies needing assistance with supplies. Not only did we have food, we had other things like flowers sometimes, diapers, baby clothes and toys, and other basic necessities. I didn’t do much on my end really, but I still loved interacting with others and helping them all the same. Sometimes pregnant women came in needing supplies and they cried with happiness when we filled the trunk of their car with supplies. I loved playing with little kids while their parents got what they needed.
Sometimes the kids would tell me about their family. Others would ask me to play. I came every week to say hello to the usuals. One particular time, I was playing with a girl and she said, “Why is there so much food?” I told her it was to help people who were hungry or needed a little help. She smiled and said, “I wanna help like you!” I still think about that, even now after I’ve taken a break from helping. During Christmas last year, I dug out all my old stuffed animals and toys, donating them to the food pantry.
Christmas came and people came with their kids, as we had asked since we were giving one toy per kid. The same girl from earlier asked if I had put any toys up there and I handed her a blonde bear with a NASA suit and boots. She named him “Astro” and took him home. I haven’t seen her in a while, but I still think about it even now. I love the feeling that you get when you see people cry with joy or hug you because you’ve given them what they needed to continue on, both physically and mentally. Making a difference is important because you never know how a little thing can change a persons life. Change their whole perspective of life. You never know, maybe something you say can affect them so much that when they’re old they’ll say, “I wasn’t doing great back when I was younger until I met…” You fill in that blank with your name and your impact.
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I'm planning on going back to the food pantry soon. I really do want people to understand the impact their words can have. One word can literally change a persons life. One sentence changes their entire perspective on their current problems and situations. You can help or hurt others with words. Make the right choice.