Halloween Volunteering: Scary or Scary fun?

Recently, the KAVA (Kalamazoo Area Volunteer Administrators) decided to “walk the walk, talk the talk” and get out in the community and volunteer. It’s always difficult to find a date that works for everyone, so we choose Halloween. What a great day to choose really…kids want candy, parents want to pass out candy, and the KAVA members went to Ministry with Community to serve lunch. I felt like this might be scary or maybe scary fun. The verdict was out until I walked in the door at MWC.

Alaina Parker (MWC staff) introduced us to Ministry with Community with a tour and description of all the services they provide. And boy do they provide services. They have EVERYTHING their members in transition need: hot showers, laundry facilities, access to phones, access to computers for resumes, and most importantly a hot meal in the middle of a cold October day. You name it- they provide it.

You may share some of the misconceptions I had about any organization serving food- you picture a “soup kitchen” where there is a line and disgruntled people get fed. MWC actually serves EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER at their seat, with food and all the utensils needed. And guess what? They weren’t disgruntled. Members had a positive outlook on their situations, even in a dark time in their life. They knew they were on the right track.

We even saw a few members dressed up for Halloween, which were some wildly entertaining costumes. There were all walks of life in that room and it makes you revaluate what you value. A gut check is what I call it, but in a good way.

I walked out of MWC feeling great about what I did, but also knowing there is so much more I could be doing for our community. It wasn’t scary…volunteering rarely ever is. I know I will be back to volunteer at MWC at some point…having a scary fun time!