Milan Smalls

I helped raise money for WHUR's 46th Annual Food2Feed Radiothon. We stood on Georgia Ave. and collected donations from people in their cars who were willing to donate. The donations are used to help feed families that are in need of food for Thanksgiving. At the end of volunteering, I was surprised at how much money in donations we collected. Through this experience, I learned about the urgency and importance of having access to healthy and affordable foods. Having access to healthy foods is extremely important in one's overall health. I also learned how a little donation goes a long way. Most people only donated a dollar but at the end of the day, they reached their goal of $40,000. I enjoyed this experience and would do it again.

This year was my first year voting and it was such an amazing experience. Through this experience, I also learned the importance of the other minor elections like the elections for senators and governors that are also happening at the same time. These elections and votes are equally important because they determine the dominating party and their values, influencing the bills passed. This can especially impact women's medical rights and how biology and science would be taught in schools. Unfortunately, my first election was a major letdown; however, I am even more excited to get to vote in the 2028 election in four years.

On October 11th, 2024, I went to donate blood to the American Red Cross. There I also got tested to see if I had the trait for sickle cell disease. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to give blood due to the increase in natural disasters and the increasing demand for blood. I also learned how impactful screening for the sickle cell trait is. While some people might not have symptoms of sickle cell it is crucial to check to see if they carry the trait because it is a genetic disease. Overall, I learned a lot through this experience and would advocate for everyone to donate blood if they can.

On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, I volunteered with Capital Area Food Bank. I helped pack and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need. This was a humbling and eye-opening experience as I learned how access to free/affordable fresh fruits and vegetables can dramatically and positively impact someone's life. I also enjoyed working with all the staff and other volunteers because they were extremely kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. I learned a lot from this experience and would recommend everyone volunteer with Capital Area Food Bank.

On Howard's annual Howard Day of Service, I volunteered at Charlie's Place DC at St. Margaret's. There, I folded and sorted through donated clothes and household items to be donated to the homeless. I also cleaned and organized the kitchen to prepare it for food donation to those in need. Through this experience, I learned the importance of shelter, food accessibility, and clothing accessibility. As it gets colder having access to proper clothing and warm shelter becomes crucial, which is why we should continue to support establishments like Charlie's Place that provide clothes, food, and shelter to the homeless and people in need.