Serving at the Samaritan: Being a good Samaritan

Since the beginning of September I have been fortunate enough to volunteer every Thursday morning at the Samaritan Center, the local soup kitchen in Syracuse. I first learned about this opportunity from Andrew and decided to go one day after hearing all about the wonderful service that is provided as well as the people who work and eat there. Needless to say, the Samaritan Center does a good job of providing meals for the hungry. I have enjoyed spending each Thursday morning doing a variety of tasks from washing and drying treys, cleaning the dishes, making the food in the kitchen, and actually serving the meals to the guests. Each role has been fun and enjoyable as I have had the chance to work alongside some of my friends and have also met very interesting and kind hearted people who volunteer as well. Not only have I enjoyed serving the guests, I have also taken to talking to some of them whom I know now on a more personal basis. This part of the service at the Samaritan Center is great. It is nice to see those whom I have met and know from the OX down town at soup kitchen, as these friendly faces always brighten my day. I have learned from observing the likes of Andrew and I encourage others who volunteer to get to know the guests whom we serve. It is a vital part of what it means to care not only about the physical needs one has, but to extend the loving community and support of our fellow brothers and sisters by taking a real interest in their lives. One's consistency of service and volunteering on a regular basis is important and strikes a cord with those whom we serve. With that said, my time at the Samaritan Center has been one of service, fun, and a learning experience which I hope to continue throughout my stay in Syracuse. No matter what we do in terms of service or interacting with others, we must always remember that a smile and listening can go a long way.