My Experience Volunteering at St. Leo's Soup Kitchen

A couple of weeks ago, I volunteered at a soup kitchen for the first time ever. Prior to going, I felt like I just never had an opportunity to volunteer and I was pretty unaware how one would even go about volunteering. I mean – were you just supposed to show up?

Once I figured it out, I realized it’s actually pretty easy. It’s not as easy as just showing up, but it’s pretty darn close to it. The soup kitchen I worked at was St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen in Detroit. In order to volunteer, all you have to do is call in advance, let them know you’d like to volunteer, see what day works best for them and for you, then… show up! It’s as easy as that.

When I first got to St. Leo’s, I helped set up a table of clothes for those who would need them. I also cut up watermelon and prepared food for serving. Once the set up was completed, I was able to help pass out trays and take tickets from those who came in. (A ticket is a little slip everyone gets when they come into the cafeteria for food; they turn in the slip in order to get a tray.) I also had the pleasure of meeting tons of new people, leading to MANY diverse conversations. It was truly great how much wisdom I gained by chatting with everyone who worked at and who came into the soup kitchen.

And let me tell you – working at St. Leo’s has by far been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life. And I’m not over exaggerating. Going down to St. Leo’s made me feel as if I was doing something that really did help others. I felt like I had a positive impact on others’lives and that really is a hard feeling to beat.

And not only did serving those in need make me feel amazing, the people I had the pleasure to work with at St. Leo’s also contributed to an awesome experience. The team I got to work with was extremely positive and friendly; they made me feel comfortable doing something I never did before.They gave me good direction and let me help contribute. And for that, I cannot thank them enough.

If you are interested in volunteering at St. Leos (they ALWAYS need volunteers) you can call them at: 313-894-0357

Remember: by helping others, you really do help yourself!!

Vicky :)

Clinton Township resident Vicky Goldwater is the “Spokester” for Michigan First Credit Union's Young & Free Michigan program, helping the 17-25 year-old crowd get a head start on their finances. As the voice of the program, she shares this positive message through social media channels, local events and speaking opportunities as well as her blog on YoungFreeMichigan.com. You can also follow Vicky’s adventures on Twitter (@youngfreeMI) and Facebook. Michigan First Credit Union is a local financial institution serving more than 90,000 individuals and businesses in the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Visit www.MichiganFirst.com to learn more.