No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted

This past weekend, VSA members teamed up with the Beta Pi Phi Fraternity in dedicating our time to community service.  Two events were held at Holy Redeemer, the carnival on Saturday and the blood drive that followed the next day.

I think my heart melted at the carnival. It was hot beyond belief, but that wasn't what did it.  Those darn kids were just too cute! Holy Redeemer organized a carnival for the little munchkins. We were all assigned to different games, in which we helped set up and manage for the day.  As we awaited the arrival of the kids, it wasn't long before they came out, tickets to play the games in their hands and smiles that could last for days.

Our new friend Karen tossing to win! Happiness is beautiful, y'all

Elise, Linh and Roma getting ready for the kiddies to come out :)

AJ handing tickets out to winners

We were all a bit nostalgic watching them gush with excitement over playing games and getting prizes.  Some of us went on the swings, others went on the merry-go-round with the little ones (I went on both ;D) just to embrace the inner kid in us for a few moments before the day ended. But there was far more to the day than just having fun and playing games.  We were there for the children, who are representative of the future of our community. Sometimes people don't take the time to realize that a few hours of our day, could be so meaningful to the kids and to the adults involved in making the event happen. Knowing that we made a difference, even if for a day in their lives, is enough to take away from the experience.  When you do things for others, nothing else matters except for that smile you put on their face, the happiness you gave them for that small amount of time you were associated with them. It's that feeling that you have done good for someone aside from your self that makes everything worthwhile.

Sunday came and we headed back to Holy Redeemer to participate in the blood drive. Maybe it's just me, but I tend to forget how grateful I am to have my health. The legs I walk with, the arms I write with, the blood that carries through my body, are all things that another person might not have. Our differences make us beautiful; it doesn't make us any less or more than the other person. By giving blood, you give life. Each ounce that we give could help an accident victim, those premature babies, or that cancer patient.

Our girl Vannida giving blood, what a trooper!

We are to help one another as a community.  It's not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.

Some of the VSA crew with the "Jasonator!" from Beta Fraternity

Never doubt the impact your efforts can have on the community. Always keep in mind: Although no one can do everything, everyone can still do something.  Looking forward to the next community service event: Boo at the Zoo on October 21st! Please come out and help. You get to see cute animals and kids, what more could you ask for? :P

Until next time, keep smiling fellow VSA members! :)