Josephine Njau

I volunteered at the NMDP table in Blackburn on Friday. I already went to the training, and I knew how to help people register. Doing this a second time made everything much easier. I would ask people if they would want to register to donate blood or bone marrow. I answered questions and helped people with the kits. I also learned how to make people feel comfortable about donating. I learned that even doing something small like this is not only important for my community, but it also taught me how important it is to donate blood or bone marrow. You never know when someone needs or even whenever you will need it. Being on the registry can really help save lives. There are not that many Black donors so volunteering for this organization at an HBCU is important.

I volunteered as a Silver Market Greeter in Maryland. I first did not understand what this volunteering was until we got there and the leaders made it really clear. We first started opening the boxes of frozen whole chicken and chicken drumsticks and place them on the tables. We did the same with the cabbage, cantaloupes, and pears. We organized and stacked food pretty quickly and we had time to socialize before the seniors came. I got to meet new people and make connections. The only thing I have to say about volunteering here is positive feedback. The whole market was swift and efficient, and the leaders were clear and were always able to help. Also, the seniors were so sweet and quick as well. I hope that I made a meaningful impact in a community by helping the seniors feel respected and welcomed while they were getting the free food resources. Volunteering here has made me see how important it is for everyone to have access to fresh and nutritional foods. Seeing the senior light up made it all worth it. I hope by volunteering I have helped create a positive environment for these seniors by recognizing their needs and serving them.