There are many people in need of basic necessities, who would greatly appreciate the help of kind-hearted community members. There are countless ways to help others: one of which includes volunteering at a food pantry. The Leanse Ratner Food Pantry is open on Sundays for people to receive groceries and other products that can be used throughout the week. Every Sunday, I wake up at 7:30 to go to the Food Pantry. At this Food Pantry, there are numerous community members who come to make grocery bags, pack the produce, and distribute different appliances. The volunteers work diligently every week to aid the people who are in dire need of essential products.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year, where individuals appreciate the things they have with their loved ones. For this holiday, the Leanse Ratner Food Pantry hosted a special event where the members of our community could receive a bag full of essentials for a Thanksgiving feast. On Sunday, November 24, the Big Give Event gathered from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on 6th Street. This extraordinary annual event was highly anticipated by the neighbors in Koreatown. The Big Give helps community members prepare for Thanksgiving and enables more people to cherish this holiday.
Unlike the past year’s Big Give Event, this year there was a plethora of exciting activities and resources available for those who came. The Big Give Event consisted of performances, arts and crafts activities, music, and many more. Everyone was welcome, but a ticket was needed to receive a Thanksgiving bag. Tickets were handed out the previous week during the Food Pantry. However, this did not stop people from coming to this event! Not only was the Leanse Ratner Food Pantry giving groceries to those in need, but there was also a blood drive by the Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Blood donations are crucial and important; blood donations can be used for many medical purposes.
The Food Pantry is not only a great opportunity to volunteer for community members, but also can be a way to socialize with new people and make friends. Personally, I have established many bonding experiences with the volunteers at the Leanse Ratner Food Pantry. The volunteers at this Food Bank value caring for and assisting others; they are always willing to support me and help me. This has been another reason why I enjoy coming to the Food Pantry to volunteer. There are no specific requirements to help at a Food Pantry; just the willingness to benefit our community! I hope to inspire many students to start volunteering at a Food Pantry and find meaning in caring for others.
Rachel Lee, Grade 10
The Science Academy
