The author volunteered at a Feeding America location in Salem, VA where they helped package and inspect non-perishable food items for distribution to those in need. They learned about selflessness and community impact from small acts of service. The volunteer experience built connections and had a significant and lasting impact on the author, particularly from the leader James who was incredibly passionate and loving in his work to help others through the organization.

1. Feeding America
Salem, VA

2. What We Did
• Most of us helped to
package non-
perishable food, for
meals given to the
less fortunate, after
we made detailed
inspections on each
item to make sure it
would not be
harmful to the
recipient.

3. What I Learned
• I learned about selflessness and how one small act by
one person paired with acts by others can make a
huge impact on people’s lives.
• I learned that I loved helping people and that I want to
do a lot more of it in my life.
• I learned about others that I worked with, both earning
about people’s backgrounds and about why they do
things like Feeding America.
• I learned how to work well with others, especially when
everything in the end is for a greater cause.

4. Impacts
• The greatest impact on
me was made by the
leader of this particular
Feeding America-
“James”
• I have never seen
someone love their job
as much as he does. I
can only hope that my
life is as fulfilling as his
is.
• He had a quote he
lived by- “I love
you, and there is
nothing you can do
about it!” I will never
forget James or that
quote.

5. Results
• This was one of the single, most significant, I have
ever had in my life.
• I made connections and bonds with people there that I
have never made with others before. Even if I am not
necessarily close with those people in the
future, nothing can change what happened that day
between everyone there.
• I will never forget that day or any of the people that
were there, and I hope I can do many more service
activities just like this for the rest of my life.

6. James
• “I love you, and there is nothing you can
do about it!”
• I will never forget him.
• He made a lasting impact on my life even
for the short period of time I was around
him.
• He treated his volunteers incredibly well
and made everybody so happy and
productive just by his attitude and loving
every second of life.
• He is someone I will look up to for the rest
of my life.
• He lives life the way it is meant to be lived.
• James is a true hero and idol.