I was finally able to find an organization to volunteer with after weeks of being unsuccessful. After having several places tell me they could not help me, I found Arts for Life. This is an organization that helps children in hospitals create art. I was not able to work directly with the children because there is a long training process that will not be offered again until the spring. Instead, I found out I was going to be assembling art kits for children to make art projects on their own.
Actually finding Arts for Life was difficult because it is in Weaverville and the bus could not take me there. Fortunately, on of my friends was able to give me a ride to volunteer. I ended up being late because I could not locate Arts for Life. After searching for about twenty minutes, I called Rachel, the assistant director, and she walked outside to meet me. It turns out I had been walking right by the office because it is tucked away at the back of the building.
Once I got there Rachel explained the art kits that I was going to be putting together. For that day I was just going to be cutting out stars for children to make three dimensional stars. She talked about how later markers or crayons would be added to the kits so the children would be able to use color. Rachel was worried about each kit having a variety of colors so it would be more interesting to create art. After she said this I realized how much she cared about providing positive art experiences to these kids. I also found I related to Rachel because before she expressed her color concerns, I had been analyzing the markers deciding which color schemes would work.
Even though my volunteering has been pretty simple so far, I noticed how much work this organization puts into helping children. I was inspired by their compassion and I am glad that I get to help and be a part of it.
