Our first day on the job at Give Kids the World started at a much-too-early 7am. We were split up into a few different groups: some of us worked serving breakfast at the Gingerbread House, some painted nails at the La Ti Da Spa, some stuffed envelopes in an office, and many more jobs.
Starting at 8am, children (with their families) busted up in the Gingerbread House to get served an amazing breakfast complete with ASB kids carrying their trays, refilling drinks, and bussing tables. It was tough work, but so much fun to meet long term volunteers and hear their stories. (one man we met was a 92-year-old WWII veteran!) At the spa, we painted girls’ nails and put on their makeup or airbrushed face paint, and gave boys temporary tattoos. Some of our volunteers packaged gingerbread cookies to be sent out to partnered sponsors. At around noon, we headed back to the hotel, where we made sandwiches and relaxed/napped until our next shift.
Later that evening, we returned to the Village and began our next shifts working a different job. Some of us drove delivery carts, some worked at the pool party, some played with kids at the “castle”, one person worked the carousel, and some worked in the game room and drove the train.
At our “Highs and Lows” meeting after our shifts, we all talked about the different people we met and how much they impacted our experience here so far. We met so many brave children who could easily fool us into thinking that they were completely healthy! Additionally, we were able to chat with parents and form a deeper respect for the sacrifices and everything else they do for their family. What an inspiring day! We are so excited for another day! 🙂
Auburn University Alternative Student Breaks 