The Mirror Foundation is a non-governmental organization in Thailand that collects donations from households to support those in need. These donations include medical equipment, books, clothes, and even assistance in building shelters. I was motivated to volunteer because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and learn more about the community I live in.

I volunteered at the Mirror Foundation for the first time on November 17, 2025. After a short briefing from the instructor, some other volunteers and I got on a truck to retrieve medical supplies from donors' homes and bring them back to the foundation for cleaning. Some of the donated items included patient beds, medical equipment, and diapers.

One major challenge was the size and weight of the patient beds. Even after disassembling the headboards, each bed still weighed around 40–60 kg depending on the model. We had to work together to lift them into the truck, secure them, and load smaller equipment alongside them. Unfortunately, it started pouring rain while we were transporting the last bed, and some equipment was damaged. Still, we did our best to fix what we could. Once we returned to the foundation, we cleaned the beds and organized all the supplies in preparation for donation day.

As we went from house to house collecting supplies, I gained a deeper understanding of the world around me. I saw firsthand how many people live in difficult conditions and can’t afford the medical items they need to recover. One donor shared her story with me: she had broken her back and had no choice but to recover at home, as she couldn’t afford to stay in the hospital. She spent most of her money buying a bed and supplies, barely managing to move around in her small one-room apartment. She was so grateful to hear that the Mirror Foundation existed to help others like her. It was a powerful reminder of how important these efforts are.

By the end of the day, I was physically exhausted from the labor, but I felt incredibly fulfilled. Knowing that my efforts helped provide necessary equipment for people in need—and gaining a new understanding of the struggles many face—gave me a sense of purpose. This experience inspired me to continue volunteering and helping others in any way I can.