For my community service project, I decided to visit a favorite volunteering site of mine; The River Fund NY. The River Fund is a government agency/food pantry. From Mondays to Fridays, it served as a government benefits agency, in which individuals are able to submit paperwork for financial needs, such as social security disability (SSD) and so on. However, on the weekends, this location becomes a food pantry. Families who are financially unstable are given food items, ranging from milk, juice, bread, fruits, vegetables, and so on. At 6am, hundreds of people begin lining up for the food pantry, which goes from 7am-11am. Even though things can get very hectic, there’s no better feeling than handing out these food items to families in need. The smile on their faces and gratitude shown make all the work definitely worth it. By 7am, the dozens of River Fund volunteers begin working, as we distribute, organize, and stock the several food items, located at different locations. Since all the food items at the food pantry were donated from other locations, such as Food Bank NYC, its a first come, first served basis. At 10:00 am, the pantry is at full swing, as volunteers are rushing back and forth to ensure everything is smooth. During my most recent visit, I found myself re-stocking the shelves and distributing the food. Even though some clients don’t physically show their appreciation, it’s still a great feeling to help those in needs. In addition, everyone has their own issues, so it isn’t fair to judge one’s appreciation from their expression. By the time 12:00 comes around, the line begins to slow down. At this point, we begin to distribute less of each food items, since we’re trying to cater for all that remain on the line. At 1:00, the clean up of the pantry begins. We begin to fold the tables and tents, throw away any garbage, and sweep the entire pantry. Even though the whole process may seem very routine and boring, my fellow volunteers make the food pantry feel like home. It’s a very relaxed environment, as the founder, Swami Durga Das, emphasizes the need to accept and appreciate all. As a result, I’ve been able to call the River Fund home for the past few years. I’ve also been able to take part in several events, such as our Annual Child Poverty Awareness Day and Annual Gala Event, in which we raise money for scholarships through donations. Also, through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), I received my first job at the River Fund, in which I worked as part of the government benefits team to help families receive the help they needed. These experiences taught me to appreciate everything in life, as there are others who struggle with much more in their lives. All in all, my memories and experiences through the River Fund are some I’ll never forget. I’ll always appreciate that they were willing to give me, as a 15 year old with no experience, a chance, which is something I’ll appreciate forever.