ePortfolio Civic Engagement Final Assignment:
- I went to the Humanitarian Center on December 7, 2017 for 2 ½ hours. The Humanitarian Center is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They supply clothing, hygiene and school kits, disaster cleanup kits, newborn kits, emergency medical modules, quilts and many other supplies all over the world where needed at the time. “Each year about 8 million pounds of shoes and clothing, 300,000 kits, and 12,000 quilts are sent to more than 50 countries around the world”. They send these supplies to countries by inspiration and to countries that have had earthquakes, or flooding, or hurricanes etc. that are in need. While I was there they needed help with quilts, so I helped tying quilts while I was there. Every person there is a volunteer, while I was there, there were about 10-12 other people helping, just in the quilt section. The time went fast, and I really enjoyed being there, I will definitely go and volunteer again. While I was volunteering for a couple hours, I helped get one quilt done. Anybody is welcomed to come volunteer at the humanitarian center, you don’t have to be a member of the church.
- I chose Globalization as the topic of choice to base my activity on because I feel like these to connect and that globalization is very important. Globalization is interacting with other countries and develop international influences and helping those that may not have the same resources as other countries. The Humanitarian Center is doing exactly that, they send needed supplies and items to places that don’t have the same resources as we do. They also send things in the U.S. when there are natural disasters. An example of this center helping others in need is a story of a person from Africa. Her family was brutally murdered in a war and she received one of the hygiene kits and food that saved her life. To this day she has that bag with some of the things in there that helped her, and she takes it with her when she goes and speaks to groups. This is one of many examples of how the Humanitarian Center is globalizing and helping those in need. I see Globalizing as a positive force that needs to continue to grow as there are a lot of places in the world that don’t have the necessary resources they need in everyday life.
- I feel that my 2 ½ hours at the Humanitarian Center made a contribution that can help someone in need keep warm and have nice bedding that can comfort them. I’m so grateful for the freedom I have and all of the resources I have living in a free country. Not everyone gets to help others with their needs so I’m happy that I get the opportunity to go and serve others. I feel this way because of the impact I’ve seen that these supplies have had for people everywhere. Going on the 7th I realized that I need to do this more often so that I can help those that don’t have the things that I get to have, and I’m grateful for the The Humanitarian Center helping them. I don’t know where the quilt I helped with will go but I know that it will go to somebody that needs the warmth and comfort that the quilt will give them. Some of the quilts go to places that are cold, so The Humanitarian Center uses nice fabric that is thick and that will also last a long time. I’ll say it again, I’m so happy that my contribution, even if it was just one quilt will help somebody that needs the warmth that a blanket gives.
- I absolutely would do this again and go volunteer at The Humanitarian Center, I have volunteered many times before, but haven’t been going on a regular basis lately. I think it would be good to do once a month or so to contribute and help those that need these things to survive. Before the 7th when I helped I had been there a handful of times over the years. The people there, who are volunteers too, help you if you need it and they are really nice and make sure you know what you’re doing. The experience of going to the Humanitarian Center helped remind me and be even more grateful that I live in a place and have the means to have the opportunity to have the things other people don’t have the opportunity to have. The atmosphere and opportunity to volunteer and help at The Humanitarian Center is comforting. There’s a good feeling there, knowing that you are helping people that don’t have the resources to receive these necessary supplies. If there is anyone that wants to volunteer at the Humanitarian Center, I have a link that can help you know what they do, their hours, and where they are located.
https://www.lds.org/topics/humanitarian-service/center?lang=eng&old=true