Briea Craft

This service opportunity would challenge my problem solving skills by requiring me to adjust quickly to different tasks depending on the time slot, whether that is setup, egg placement, or cleanup. It also makes me think more about my role in the community, showing that even small contributions can support larger events that bring people together. Through volunteering, I would have the opportunity to build new connections with other volunteers and organizers, which could open the door for future involvement in similar events. The organization supports volunteers by clearly assigning roles and time slots, which helps create structure and makes it easier to contribute effectively. This opportunity also aligns with my personal values of giving back and supporting community centered initiatives, especially those focused on families and children. In the future, I would approach this experience by being more proactive in asking where help is needed most so I can make the greatest impact.

At the Riverfront Easter Festival, I developed my ability to work efficiently in a fast paced environment while communicating with others to get tasks done quickly. I was out on the grass at Mud Island placing eggs and making sure they were spread evenly, which pushed me to stay aware and work with intention. Being there showed me how much events like this mean to families, especially seeing how excited kids and parents were to just be present and enjoy something free together. I worked closely with a team, constantly checking in and adjusting where needed, which made the experience feel more collaborative and impactful. My role supported the organization’s goal by helping create a smooth and organized event where kids could safely participate in the egg hunt. One challenge was how quickly everything had to be done before the event started, but I overcame that by communicating more and staying flexible instead of focusing on just my own section.

Skills and Personal Development

How has this experience influenced your future career or educational goals?
Serving on the second day forced me to consider more on how I would like the service to be present in my life no matter what career I go into. Even when it is sports marketing that I want to work for, I realized during this experience that I am willing to follow a path where community outreach is a high priority. Helping people in real life taught me the importance of keeping organizations connected to the community. It inspired me to consider a career in which I can combine what I’m doing with serving the community in meaningful ways. It made me want to continue being intentional about giving back as I go forward.

Understanding and Awareness

Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community?
Yes, that experience altered my perspective of my role in a community to the point that I see how small things count. Two days later, I was back with a few of the same families who recognized us from the day before and it seemed somehow different. It taught me that the same commitment to service can be as meaningful to show up on a daily basis. I began to see myself not simply as a volunteer but an individual people could rely on. It made me feel an even greater responsibility to be that presence again.
Relationships and Teamwork

How might these relationships influence your future involvement?
The friendships from this day reinforced me to become much more active in my work because I felt for working with everyone like me, who loved service on that day. We had a good rhythm from the previous day, so it all fell into a little easier and I felt we were connected more. And I talked longer with some volunteers from outside the church, and hearing why they came out inspired me. It made me understand how service brings people together not in ways you expect to be joined. Those contacts made me want to be a part of future such events as well, and not just during holidays.

Organizational Impact and Alignment
Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
Yes, it helps me stay connected to my home church community that I have to volunteer because they are inclusive, and that the work matters. I love that the church is structured and deliberate about servicing families who really need support, and I enjoy that the time is worthwhile. It was actually making me realize they have got a purpose in serving and being involved 2 serving days in a row. I also saw how much consistency can help families feel more comfortable. It made me want to show up in any way I can still show up.

Reflection and Improvement
What would you change about your approach to this service opportunity in the future?
Next time, I would arrive even earlier so I could help with the setup and get a better sense of the flow before the line started. Day two moved quicker because we had fewer meals left, so being prepared from the start would have helped me jump right in. I would also try to rotate roles so I can understand different parts of the process. That would give me a fuller picture of how everything works behind the scenes. It would help me be even more helpful the next time we serve.

Skills and Personal Development

How did this experience challenge your problem-solving abilities?
Serving the meals challenged my problem-solving skills because we had to deal with how many people showed up at once. Some families required additional portions, and others with dietary restrictions that reordered how we packed their meals. Additionally, when the line became protracted, I would have to find a balance between speed and care. So, it drove me to think quickly and not give in too much to the moment. It taught me that problem-solving is also essentially about staying flexible.

Understanding and Awareness

How did your service influence your understanding of social issues?
Providing meals showed me how many families have food insecurity, especially around the holidays. It feels not like cooking food at the back because you actually meet the people you are helping. Several families shared small parts of what they were experiencing, and it really made the issue real. It also reminded me of how community support can be so important for those without steady access to meals. This was an experience that brought a lot of awareness to me about how many people secretly depend on help like this.

Relationships and Teamwork

What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
Although my extended family is a large part of the church and I know the majority of the people there, we had volunteers from other churches come help and I met some of them for the first time. The two of us meeting face to face, we were able to connect quite naturally. We had small conversations while serving and that helped keep the day more cohesive across different church groups. It also taught me the power of bringing together disparate communities for one purpose. Even small conversations provided a more meaningful meaning to the work.

Organizational Impact and Alignment

How did the organization support or guide you during your service?

At my home church, we were given clear directions on how the line should flow and what our roles were, making serving easy and organized. They checked in with us quite frequently, ensuring that we had what we needed. Their infrastructure enabled everybody to operate effectively without chaos that plagued the day. I felt supported the entire way through, because one could always get help. Under their leadership, the environment stayed quiet and welcoming for the families we served.

Reflection and Improvement

Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs?
Yes. This service was what I wanted in return for giving back and caring for others who need someone to support them. It was meaningful, connected to my faith in serving families face to face. It was a reminder to me of why acts of service count, especially over the holidays. It didn’t feel forced or something forced, like there was an obligation; it felt natural to show up for others. I was just desirous of remaining actively involved this way.

Skills and Personal Development

What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
I learned organization and time management skills through service this experience. We had a lot of meals that needed to be prepared in a short period of time, so I had to keep focused and move purposefully. I also discovered how to balance speed with precision because each container needed to be labeled and portioned correctly. This made me notice more little things even though I was moving fast. It revealed to me I can also stay calm, work productively when the pace of work picks up.

Understanding and Awareness

What did you learn about the community you served?
I found out there are more families living in a community where they struggle with food insecurity than I thought. More specifically during the holidays. Preparing those meals made the issue feel real because I saw how much planning and care goes into making sure people have something warm to eat. It showed me that support systems like this are used more than people realize. It was also a reminder that for someone to be able to have a small meal can go a long way toward making them feel better and get them through a rough time. That just made me more respect for the work that the organization does year round.

Relationships and Teamwork

Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
The experience was smoothed out quite a good deal through working with others on the team; we had a great way of counting on each other in the prep team. Because it is a collaborative effort, even when it got crowded there was not a negative energy. It enabled us to do everything timely without getting swamped. It also made clear how valuable communication is where everyone’s working toward the same goal.

Organizational Impact and Alignment

How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
My service directly served the organization’s mission by preparing the meals to be distributed to families in the following days. I wasn’t handing them out yet, but the preparation work was a crucial step in ensuring operations were kept on track. If the meals were not portioned, organized and labeled correctly, the distribution team would not be able to move as quickly. It gave me a tangible insight that my work was making a difference even in the background. It taught me that every one of the phases of the process was important.

Reflection and Improvement

What unexpected challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle was the fast pace and how there’s so much to do with a short amount of time. There were certainly times when supplies thinned or the work moved elsewhere, and I needed to figure it out quickly. I got through it doing all this and stayed focused and was wherever help was at, instead of just sitting quietly down. That helped to keep it all going nicely. It also taught me I should be flexible if the plan needs to shift.

It was a great opportunity not only getting to meet new students and families, but also be of service while helping them move in.

Reflection Questions

What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Serving dinner to those in need taught me valuable skills in empathy, communication, and time management. I learned how to be attentive to others' needs, listening carefully to ensure everyone received what they required, while also maintaining a calm and efficient environment. This experience helped me improve my teamwork abilities, as I collaborated with others to organize, serve, and ensure everything ran smoothly. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of how small acts of service can make a big difference in people’s lives, enhancing my ability to lead with compassion and focus on practical support for others

What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
As I worked with Room in the Inn, serving dinner, I was able to learn more about the Memphis community, specifically about the area of homelessness shelters. This was my first involvement with a shelter since coming to the area, and they seem to be similar to the ones back at home in Atlanta. Many of the guests I engaged with at Room in the Inn, were single mothers with several young children, many of them likely under the age of 10. The residents were those in need of food and shelter as they are victims of homelssness.

Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your
experience?

As a part of my service, I worked with a few other individuals to serve them, as something like this usually takes a team, especially when it comes to the cleanup piece. Working in a team also helps the overall dinner go faster and smoother.

Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
Yes, I plan on continuing to volunteer with the organization. I love to feel like I am directly serving others, and that's the feel that Room in the Inn offers. Also everyone there is always super nice!

Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle
any conflicts?
My service at Room in the Inn aligned greatly with my personal values when it came to serving my community. It also aligned with the goals of the organization which is to create a warm and welcoming environment provided with hearty meals that are served to those who are in the shelter due to experiencing homelessness.

Reflection Questions
What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Through volunteering with Mid South Toys for Tots, I developed organizational skills, improved my communication abilities, and honed my teamwork skills. I also learned how to efficiently distribute resources to ensure families in need received the support they required during the holiday season. Additionally, I gained experience in coordinating efforts and managing time effectively within a fast-paced environment.


What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
I learned that the community is incredibly generous, with many people willing to donate their time and resources to help those in need. I also saw the challenges some families face, particularly during the holidays, and how vital programs like Toys for Tots are in providing joy and relief. The experience highlighted the importance of solidarity and mutual support within the community.

Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your
experience?
I worked as part of a team, and this had a profound impact on my experience. Collaborating with others allowed for a more efficient distribution process, as we could divide tasks and support each other. It also helped me feel more connected to the cause, as working with a team of passionate volunteers reinforced the sense of community and shared purpose.

Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with Toys for Tots because I believe in its mission of spreading holiday cheer and providing children with the opportunity to experience joy during difficult times. The positive impact it has on the community is something I want to be a part of, and the experience was rewarding both personally and in terms of giving back.

Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle
any conflicts?
Yes, my service with Toys for Tots fully aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe strongly in giving back to the community, supporting those in need, and ensuring children, regardless of their circumstances, have a chance to experience happiness during the holidays. There were no conflicts, as the mission of the organization resonated deeply with my own values of compassion and service.

Reflection Questions
How did this experience challenge your problem-solving abilities?
Volunteering with Toys for Tots challenged my problem-solving abilities as I had to think quickly to address unexpected issues, such as coordinating an extremely large amount of distribution of toys to families with specific needs. Additionally, when certain toys were in high demand, I had to help reassign resources or think creatively about how to make sure every child received something appropriate. This required flexibility, quick thinking, and effective communication with teammates to find solutions on the spot.
Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or
environment?
Yes, this experience deepened my understanding of my role within the community. It made me realize how much a small act of service can contribute to the well-being of others, and how interconnected we all are. I began to see myself less as an individual and more as part of a larger network of people who work together to support one another, especially those facing hardships.


What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
During my time with Toys for Tots, I formed relationships with other volunteers who shared a passion for giving back to the community. We bonded over the shared goal of bringing joy to families, and I learned from their experiences in community service. I also interacted with local donors and families, which helped me understand their perspectives and reinforced the sense of community we were all working to support.


How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
My service directly contributed to the mission of Toys for Tots by helping to organize, sort, and distribute toys to families in need, ensuring that as many children as possible received gifts during the holiday season. By volunteering my time, I helped the organization fulfill its goal of spreading joy and hope to children, making a tangible impact on the lives of those who may have otherwise gone without.

What unexpected challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

An unexpected challenge was dealing with a shortage of volunteers on a particularly busy day, which put extra pressure on the remaining team. To overcome this, I stepped up to take on additional tasks, such as managing toy sorting and coordinating toy distribution. I also communicated with the team to ensure everyone understood their priorities, and we worked together to stay organized and efficient, even under the added pressure. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of maintaining a positive, solution-oriented attitude in challenging situations.