Sparrows Nest Food Drive
Authors: Niya Pinckney
Faculty Supervisor: Anelise Farris, Ph.D.
Community Partner: Sparrows Nest
Abstract:
I partnered with Sparrows Nest, a nonprofit organization located in Brunswick, Georgia at 2911 Altama Ave, also known as Faithworks, who’s mission is to “actively develops collaborative, ecumenical and secular partnerships that maximize resources that meet human needs. We seek to foster relationships and community spirit by connecting people to eliminate prejudice and to heal brokenness”, and conducted a food drive amongst my coworkers, friends, family and neighbors. There is a “wish list” posted on Sparrows Nest with theses items listed, Canned Chicken, Tuna and Salmon, Vienna Sausage, Canned Fruits, Soups and Beef Stew, Chili or Pork & Beans, Crackers, SpaghettiOs, Ravioli, Rice, Instant or Canned Potatoes, Pasta or Egg Noodles, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Vegetables , Macaroni and Cheese, Kid’s Snacks (Granola Bars, Pudding & Fruit Cups, etc.), Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cereal or Oatmeal, Pancake Mix & Syrup, Boxed, Powdered or Canned Milk, Gravy (Jar or Packets), Frozen Meat or TV Dinners, Personal Hygiene & Household Items (toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, bath soap/body wash, razors and deodorant. I printed the list of items off and handed them out for those to choose the items that they would like to donate. I admire the assistance that this organization is providing and support their belief and action. “Encourages people to live out their faith with action. We might be holding a hand while someone is dying, praying before someone goes into surgery, or listening to someone in crisis. We might be picking up a piece of litter, hammering a nail, or painting a wall. We might be planting a seed, mentoring a child, or driving someone to the doctor. FaithWorks can be different things to different people…an opportunity...an angel in a time of need…a resource. We offer hope, encouragement, love and support.” During my provided service, I felt completed within myself. Although it may not have been much, I felt that my assistance provided served my purpose in helping others. What’s a community without support? I feel that we, as a community, assist each other in the areas that we need assistance in, that is what makes us a community. My project connects to the course by in our readings of poverty. The readings help me to recall life that exist around us daily. Not everyone knows, or even understands the daily struggles of those living in poverty. We tend to take the food we eat daily, the roofs over our heads and plenty of the blessings that seem to come natural to us for granted. The readings helped me feel what it is like to be in one's head, to connect with the feelings one may feel living in poverty. With these feelings, it helped me to connect with my project and desire a higher outcome. I enjoyed putting my learning in an act of service and feel that it is extremely beneficial. In the future, I plan to provide more assistance to any in need of assistance in any form.
