Yesterday, we had the honor of volunteering at Mercy Street in Dallas, TX. For those that don't know, Mercy Street is an after school care program that is open to all children that are in need of a hot meal, a good lesson and some heartfelt care. We started our journey to volunteer in a downpour the likes of which you only read about. We passed multiple accidents, puddles and confused Dallas drivers (yes that thing falling from the sky is called rain...) as we headed out to West Dallas. Just like the mailman we could not be deterred.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the warm and friendly volunteers. Their energy and joy was infectious. We learned about Mercy Street's mission and what we were going to be doing that day. Our task was to help set up the meals for the children, sit and converse with one table full of shiny faces and then help with their craft project.
After serving a delicious meal of lasagna, carrots and zucchini bread (Yum!) we each went to a different table to meet the kids. The children at my table were young and bright and completely suspicious of the stranger sitting with them... at least to begin with. We chatted about their lives (by chatted I mean I asked questions and they reluctantly answered back) and school and what Mercy Street meant to them. By the time the meal was over, they had warmed up to me and we were all excited about the quickly approaching craft time.
Our project was simple, or so I thought. We were to create a crown out of construction paper, plates, pipe cleaners, foam sticky things and other accoutrement. I looked around the room and all the other Project 7 employees were attacking the task with the same amount of joy and zeal as the kids. After the allotted crown making time, they held a crown fashion show where the kids got to model their amazing craft feats. As I watched one of the kids from my table gingerly hold this paper crown onto the top of his head, I realized that we had done more than share a meal and do a craft with these kids. We had spent quality time with children that may or may not get that much in their lives, for whatever reason. It reminded me how lucky I was as a kid to have two very loving and devoted parents who always showed me how special I was to them. This day also reminded me that time is one of the most precious things we have to give and give it freely we should. And, as I watched a smiling little boy with an orange paper crown, that I had helped him make, stuck to his head, smile big enough to light up the world, I realized I had done something good that day... and that I was stuck to the table thanks to the glue we had been using.
Lindsey Nobles: Awesome! Wanted to let you know that you can also purchase them on our website, if need be....
Misty: I am getting married this year and we are planning an all green wedding. I have been buying all the mints and...
JOSE MANUEL: urban art Madrid SpainHello I am called Jose Manuel and devote myself to decorate all kinds of surfaces...
Jenn Kandt: Hey Project7 team! Long time no see….But I DID recently see your mints in TN/VA Walmart! Woot! Keep...
matthew: Beautiful!
I’m glad you learned about Mercy Street, Chris introduced our family to them several years ago with gifts in our honor to Mercy Street. I think the young man he mentors came from Mercy Street, it’s a great place and I am happy you were making crowns and wonderful memories for you and the little boy with the orange crown. Love and a Big Hug, Auntie “R”