Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Today was my personal "volunteer day" :)

First, I woke up early to walk my friend to the animal shelter a little over two miles away. Then, at the shelter, I did "cat socializing" (AKA: playing with them) for around 30 minutes before I had to leave to walk another 4 miles to the beach to volunteer in the clean-up of an Autism Speaks 5K walk. On my way there, I asked for directions and ended up getting a ride for the remaining two miles.

Once I got to the beach, I helped clear tables and spent a couple hours picking up garbage (there was a lot!). Afterwards, I turned to go back home and ended up getting a ride back to the animal shelter, where I spent another 40 minutes doing "cat socializing" :) before going home with my roommate/classmate/friend. On top of that, our professor offered us a ride home. I also had brought my roommate the sub I was gifted from the Autism Speaks walk, and also taught her how to make the perfect soft ice cream serve (the twist part). :)

Amusing story of the day: As I got back to the animal shelter one woman stopped me and waved me on, laughing at all the volunteer marks I was wearing (Wildlife Sanctuary shirt, Autism Speaks button, name tag, cat fur everywhere, plus carrying a jacket from a website that takes donations to support animals and a little band on my wrist for another program). Then, I found out that she knew the person who I worked under back at the wildlife sanctuary, so I made a new friend, too. :)

Will be going home tonight to see my mother and little sister, and tomorrow am headed to my aunt's baby shower. It's amazing how when I spend a personal day volunteering, I receive so much more than I could ever imagine. :)