Community service is such an important part of my life because it’s helped me to understand that even in my well-off community there are people who are struggling, especially children. This past year I was asked to be head chairman on the junior board of directors at Bethana orphanage, a place that takes in mentally and physically abused children. Their mission statement reads “Bethanna is a Christian organization that provides the highest quality system of care for children and families in order to ensure safety, restore emotional wellness, and build family stability.”
This organization has allowed me to understand the importance of helping those of one’s community even though it may take valuable time some may feel they need to use for other activities in their life. I wish that my friends could be able to have the experience that I have with Bethana and experience the same feeling of accomplishment I feel when I know that I am really helping support the children of Bethana.
Some of the experiences I have had at Bethana have changed my life. Every morning when I wake up and see my television on my dresser and my Tiffany bracelet on my wrist, I understand stand how good I have it and how truly lucky I am. I honestly didn’t always appreciate these things before my parents introduced me to the world of Bethana when I was five. Around the holiday time, we took on the role of Santa Claus and donated any new holiday gifts my brother and I felt we honestly wouldn’t use. It only took one meeting with the children to grab my heart and link me to the cause of Bethana.
Without a doubt I love working with Bethana. Since I have been ten, I have had my own charity called “Beads for Bethana”. I create and sell jewelry and all the proceeds go to Bethana. My parents have always taught me to help those who can’t really help themselves. In fact my family and I have always been key contributors to Bethana. I alone have donated over $10,000. Through the years my family and I have donated a playground, brand new windows for 3 different houses and also a brand new Play Station 3 and TV. By donating all this stuff and spending time raising the money with my family, it has taught me the value of community service and given me the experience of how beneficial community service can be. Working at Bethana has helped strengthen the bond between my parents, my brother and also myself.
In many cases Bethana is the last stop before many children end up in mental institutions. These kids have all been so hurt in the past that in one instance they could seem to be fine, but when you tell them to turn the television off and do some homework, they have a major meltdown and begin to break windows. I always look at it that the kids at Bethana didn’t ask to be put in these situations, so my goal is to help them through this in the best way possible without interfering with the programs of Bethana. In the mornings on my way to school when I drive by, it feels amazing to know that my contributions are going to a great cause. Hopefully others will understand the feeling of accomplishment of helping others who really have no chance without outside help.