In the volunteer’s own words

I was at the registration table when Billy and Edward were signing in with I’m assuming their foster mom. They looked timid and scared as this was their first day at Peace4kids. I tried talking to them but they would only look down and nod their heads. When I tried to put a color wristband on Billys wrist he backed away from me and appeared nervous. At this point Marni came over to review the Peace4Kids Peace Contract and when she was done she asked me to take them out to breakfast. On our way out to breakfast I stopped in the Peace Garden room, and showed Billy where he would be spending the day and introduced him to Pauline, the teacher for that class. Still Edward and Billy did not look happy and I couldn’t get two words out of them. We continued to make our way to breakfast and I introduced both boys to other kids along the way. If anything they were looking more scared to me. At some point I had to leave them at the breakfast table with other kids and volunteers and as I was leaving Billy moved towards me and said “how will we know what to do?” I explained to them where they would need to go for the morning meeting and let them know they could ask any of the volunteers for help. The day went on as planned and I saw Billy and Edward at lunch. It was night and day. They were smiling from ear to ear, they were talkative and they were playing. They remembered my name from the morning and were anxious to tell me about their day and all the things they had done. They both said “I can’t wait to come back”. I can’t really put into words the feeling I had when I saw how happy they were. They went from two little boys who wouldn’t even look at me to running towards me and shouting my name. When I think that perhaps we all made a small impact on the kids and made them feel comfortable it reminds me of why I volunteer.

The joy and progress of the children at Peace4Kids is a product of the leadership we see in Zaid, Marni and Michelle. It’s their hard work and philosophy that not only attracts quality volunteers but enables them to make it all about the kids. Even as I write this it warms my heart to think of Edward and Billy. I’m fortunate to be part of Peace4Kids.

Maria, Peace4Kids volunteer

If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities at Peace4Kids, please contact Marni Otway at (310) 635-8500 or email marni@peace4kids.org

Please take a moment and consider making a gift to Peace4Kids. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us work closer with foster and at-risk youth, and guide their journey into adulthood. It is the only way we will be able to expand and sustain our programs.