Guest contribution from a dedicated anonymous volunteer of GFTH:
I started volunteering with GFTH during their Annual Clothing Drive in 2013. It was during finals period of my 1L year in law school and I was feeling incredibly stressed out, doubting myself with the age old question, “What am I doing here?!”
After reading an email from school that mentioned needing volunteers for a clothing drive to help the homeless, I figured that a few hours away from my books would do me some good. It did so much more than that. I became part of an amazing group of people who go above and beyond to answer a call that sometimes seems insurmountable but stares back at us every day we go to work and school in the DMV area.
I remember what it was like to be homeless in high school. The grief, the feeling of fear that I might not be able to graduate and go on to college. The feeling that you are less than a whole person, which feels all too real when you are simply looking for shelter.
More often than not, it’s too easy to forget to be “human” or get caught up in “me, me, me,” when we are busy with our own lives. But, every interaction with GFTH is a solid reminder that there is kindness in the world, and that we should do whatever we can to spread it. It reminds me why I am here.
So, every time I post a flyer, spread the word about donations, sort a bag of clothing or even tweet for an event – I remember that being homeless doesn’t mean hopeless. Giving back through GFTH is my way of paying it forward and hoping, that just maybe, that gently used suit will help someone get back on their feet in time for the New Year.