GAiN, Thank you for Stealing My Saturday

GAiN, Thank you for Stealing my Saturday.  I have a confession.  Initially, the thought of giving up an entire Saturday to do volunteer work sounded like a bad idea. As a business owner, Saturdays are often the day when I can get caught up on work-uninterrupted.  But this Saturday morning I also had a tugging on my heart to learn more about why my daughter-in-law, Heather, was so passionate about her job.  Even with the stories shared, it was still hard to grasp “stateside” missionary work. What to do? I decided to set aside my self-interest and make the drive to GAiN (Global Aid Network).

It took just over an hour to drive to Mount Joy, PA.  I arrived early and was greeted by other friendly volunteers waiting for entrance into the large warehouse. I later learned I was one of around 500 for that day and about 3500 volunteers from Tuesday-Saturday. Soon after, Heather came out and showed me around. There were stations for creating school supply kits, sorting clothes, assembling meal packages, and making women’s hygiene kits.

When I saw the sewing station, my eyes lit up.   I spent the entire day sewing and loved every minute!   I also enjoyed the fellowship of four other ladies at my table.  One was from South Carolina, another from upstate New York and one from New Jersey. Only I and one other lady were from Pennsylvania. And here I thought my hour drive was long!  Each lady had come with other friends or with their church.

Throughout the day everyone worked hard to sort, create items, assemble kits, and more. In addition to being there with Heather, my other two sons, Richard and Steven volunteered their time too. They worked the bailer machine, condensing clothing into bundles that could be later shipped to Africa, Puerto Rico, Haiti, etc. The four of us would meet for two snack breaks and lunch, prepared for us by the GAiN staff. During these breaks, we learned about the history of GAiN and how they work together with other aid organizations like Samaritan’s purse.

Our day started at 8:30 and was over at 4:30.  People could come in and leave as needed. There was something to do for just about any age or skill level. Kids as young as 5 and adults as old as 101 were there. I even saw people in wheelchairs, with canes, and with various disabilities.   Each volunteer could leave feeling it was a great day no matter what they did to help!

As I drove home I had a good hour to think back on my day. It really was enjoyable on so many levels. From the good feeling that comes from making a difference in the world to the fellowship of meeting nice people from other parts of the U.S.  Mostly, I had a such a better understanding of why Heather was so passionate about her missionary work!  I had never thought about all that is needed here in the states in order for the missionaries out in the field to be able to reach out with aid to those they serve in other countries.

So I must confess….I was thankful I went today!  While work is always there for me to do, it was good to set it aside and be a part of something larger than myself, larger than my business. Today I worked with others to help fulfill GAiN’s mission to RELIEVE SUFFERING, RESTORE DIGNITY AND REVEAL HOPE.   Yes, I believe GAiN has stolen my heart and a few Saturdays every year during their Volunteer Week. Perhaps they may steal one of yours too?

For more information, visit: https://www.gainusa.org/