By coming together as a community and extending a helping hand, we can make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals. We met with Aaliyah Butler (AB) who during her Day of Giving volunteered at two organizations in her local community.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
AB: I volunteered for the Potter House Hope Revival as well as Be Socials Feed the Streets community event.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
AB: BeSocial Mission was to bring the community together to spread love and give back to those who were homeless and, on the street, here in Charlotte. The Potter House Hope Revival was to bring women of all diversities together to create a sisterhood of love, to bond and learn about each other in one room.
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
AB: No, it wasn’t my first time with BeSocial and their feed the streets’ event. Yes, it was my first time with The Potter House Church volunteering.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
AB: There were no requirements for either of the events that I volunteered for on the 26th.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
AB: I love to give back to the community in any way possible. It has always been my passion in a sense to provide the homeless with meals and positive words to help them get through their tough times. I wanted to volunteer for The Potter House due to them always providing for the community and always bringing together people from all over who are on the same mission to get to a better place and to serve a greater purpose in the world.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
AB: At the BeSocial event I assisted with making sandwiches, packing bags as well as writing notes for the homeless. After we finished packing the bags, we went downtown to pass out the sandwiches as well as give some to the homeless shelter. During my volunteering service at The Potter House, I assisted with getting merchandise to those who wanted it. I also assisted with cleaning and guiding the patrons to their seats. Both events made me feel awesome on the inside, knowing I was doing something that would benefit others and make them feel great at the end of it as well.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
AB: Do something that will not just make you happy, but others as well. Allow yourself to spread love, happiness, hope, and faith to those who may need it more than you at that moment. You never know what your time, smile, presence, or words can do for someone who truly needs it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to do good, good will always come back to you in any shape and form.
AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
AB: l truly enjoyed myself and appreciate that I was able to get the time off to allow myself to do something good in the world. Even if I was a small gesture. I know eventually it’ll become something bigger for me.