A First Time Volunteer

Phi Theta Kappa members keeping their smiles after volunteering with Soup and a Smile for Pancake Day.

     This was an exciting week for Soup and a Smile. On Wednesday ribs were served to the twenty or so homeless men invited to the house to shower, do laundry, have a great lunch, and relax in a home with friendly company. On Thursday we had five special guests from Nebraska. I have forgotten the names of these five awesome people, but not their story. They came to Las Vegas to celebrate one of the woman’s birthday, when they arrived here the birthday girl got onto the computer to find somewhere in Vegas they could give back to. It was amazing to me that on her birthday trip to Las Vegas she went of her way to fins somewhere to volunteer, and to pick one that they would have to get up so early to do. They were extremely joyful and fun to be around. On that day we had about 10 people come back to the kitchen, so I asked if they wanted to help separate and make tea bags for the next morning’s tea. They happily obliged and I got to hear their fun conversation, and learned that they were here celebrating a birthday. I found their story extremely heartwarming, and knew it had to be shared.


     Saturday was the ever popular Pancake Day, the menu was huge. There were of course pancakes, sausage, and hash browns as the main dish. Along with those delicious mouth watering dishes there were Starbucks pastries, cakes, croissants, candies, milk, tea, and all the toppings; butter, syrup and salsa. The best part was the number of volunteers that were present, we estimated about thirty showing up and volunteering. The members of Phi Theta Kappa were there to serve with a smile, and had a great first time volunteering as a group. It was exciting to start a new project with Phi Theta Kappa and there was a healthy turn out, one we only expect will grow. There were so many people that a few of us got to walk around and talk with some of the many people that were there. It was a great experience seeing so many come to help those that are in need and do it with a smile on their faces, even if it was a little too early for some.

     This weeks entry is from Angie Robinson, my sister and hard working student at CSN. It was nice being able to get her involved in volunteering on a special event day. She works late nights, so waking up after only three hours of sleep was a little taxing on her, but I believe she is happy she did so.

     I volunteered for the “Peace of Cake” event for the organization Soup and a Smile on July 1st. It is a service provided to the homeless to give them a hearty meal to begin their day. It was the first time I had ever volunteered for a soup kitchen service. I had no idea what to expect. These people who were there to eat were unfortunate in their lives; somehow, somewhere they fell into this hardship. They were so grateful for the food provided as well as a nice “Good Morning!”



     They patiently wait for the tables to be set up and the food to be opened, uncovered and presented on the little white tables. They form into very neat conformed rows of what is most important to them. Some of them want a steaming cup of hot tea, or a refreshing cup of ice cold water, or even an old water bottle that needs a filling, while others want their first pick of a special doughnut or a particular type of muffin. They quietly move to the other lines after they give their grateful “thank you.” There are some that wait until others have eaten and stand in line again to get extras for themselves as well as their families who they left in “their comfortable place.” re


     Many of us take advantage of the fact that we have not just three but as many meals a day as we want. We have refrigerators full of food that half the time spoils because we don’t eat it fast enough. Las Vegas is one of the most obese cities in America because we over indulge in whatever foods we feel like eating; they are grateful to get any food they can into their stomachs. We take advantage of the fact that we have running water and can drink when we are thirsty any time of day or night we please; they do not have the same commodities and privileges.


     They do not have homes, or a place to call their own. They are harassed and shooed away from places that they are just trying to get comfortable in (as comfortable as one can be in 115 degrees.) They do not have places to wash themselves nor their clothing and are not able to use public restrooms without being criticized and watched. They cannot afford to buy something at convenience stores so they cannot use the store restrooms. They have no means of transportation to get to and from the little dirt parking lot where they receive their food, drinks, and occasional clothing so they must find shelter close by (within walking distance.)


     I believe that every volunteer that comes here feels sympathy for the homeless. I think that most realize how lucky or fortunate they are to have what they have: comfortable homes, with air conditioning and heating, warm beds, bathrooms, and kitchens, as well as transportation and the opportunity to eat whenever they feel like it.


     I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to serve others to take advantage of their free time and help someone in true need. The feelings you get alone from the experience is unexplainable. The truly grateful smiles you receive are more than enough to make you happy all day. It is a feel good service that I was privileged to be a part of.

Angie serving tea and a smile.