MOST OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE/INVOLVEMENT NOMINEE
Vietnamese Student Organization
at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Saint Joseph's Diner
Provide a detailed description of the event and the population it served. Details MUST include: date of event, number of participants, program purpose (goals, objectives, etc.) and use of resources (finances, community support, etc.).
On October 10, 2023 around 6:00 am in the morning; my crew of 6 Vsoul general members and 3 Vsoul eboard members arrived at Saint Joseph's Diner to volunteer. Once we arrived at the diner, we were met with the main organizer of the event and was lead to a room to sign in. After we sign in and a brief introduction was commenced about how they will open the doors to everyone at around 7:00 am and that most of the people we are serving are mostly homeless people or anyone that is hungry. Donning hairnets and aprons, we were divided into groups, each tasked with essential duties to ensure the smooth operation of the diner. I found myself alongside two fellow general members in the dish group, diligently scrubbing trays, cups, and utensils used to serve food to our guests. Meanwhile, others were assigned to the serving group, adopting a cafeteria-style approach, while another group took charge in the kitchen, prepping produce, washing, and cleaning up. From 6:00 am until 9:00 am, we worked tirelessly, fueled by a shared commitment to our community and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those we served. Our efforts culminated in more than just a meal; it was a gesture of compassion, providing nourishment and dignity to those in need. This was our way of giving back to the community and helping out the homeless community by serving them breakfast to start their day off correctly. There was no finances necessary because all ingredients were provided by a foundation called Second Harvest Food Bank. In the end, our experience at the diner left an indelible mark on each of us, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that even the smallest acts of kindness can have on the world around us. Through our collective efforts, we reaffirmed the bonds of community and demonstrated that, together, we can make a difference.
What efforts were used to motivate and involve the organization's members?
The organizers likely communicated the purpose and importance of the event clearly to all members, emphasizing the impact their participation would have on the homeless community. This could have included statistics about homelessness, stories of individuals affected, and the broader goals of the organization's community service initiatives. Team work was also a major role in motivating the members because we all had a common goal that morning and it gave all of us a great sense of accountability when we finished.
