NYC Food Bank
Our main job in the 2.5 hours there was to repack food and household products donated by the public into boxes according to their categories. There were also volunteers from Citibank who worked alongside with us. Since this was a relatively new kind of experience for most of us, we were all at loss at what to do initially and started in a disorganised manner. Luckily, within a few minutes, a more organised system was put into place, with a few of us checking the expiry date of the products, some separating the items into different categories, and the rest weighing and packing, just like a colony of ants working together with each in charge of one job. Before long, we all found our momentum and worked together in tandem, cementing the strength of the bonds we have forged throughout our two years together. It was indeed very fitting to end off this trip on such a meaningful note. Soon, it was also announced that in total, we had packed approximately 4000 boxes of food.
One of the key takeaways we had from this experience was the importance of giving back to society. Many a times, we live comfortably in our safe cocoon, ignorant of how lucky we all actually are. By virtue of the fact that we live in Singapore, we have already been given the advantage in life that others do not have. We should treasure this privilege and not always complain and groan about the little inconveniences in our lives, which pale in comparison to the less fortunate. To volunteer is to give back to society, to help those who are disadvantaged in this game called life. For students, it is mandatory that we complete a certain number of community service hours, yet how many of us actually realise the true meaning and satisfaction that stems from volunteering? After we leave behind the orphanages, elderly homes to continue on with our daily lives, who could fill up the void in their hearts?