Samuel Allen

Last Monday I read and responded to some poetry of Free Minds. This was my first time on Free Minds and I really enjoyed it. The poetry they wrote was very powerful and I could tell it expressed a lot of emotions and meaning. As well, I believe I learned a lot from their pieces. I got to hear about their experiences, what they may have been struggling with and what inspires them. I'm glad they have this platform to express themselves and I can't to read and respond to more of their work.

This was my third time volunteering at DC Central Kitchen and I really enjoyed it. It began with chopping meat to be used to make meatballs. Then we thoroughly ground the meat, added some seasoning and rolled the meat into balls. Unlike my previous two times volunteering, I was able to meet some other volunteers that were much older than me and had been volunteering at DCCK for a long time. I really appreciated getting the chance to talk to them because I'm always so impressed with their commitment to serving and the knowledge they have about the kitchen. I'm excited to go back.

During this past Friday, I took my second shift at DC Central Kitchen. Similar to my first shift, I spent the majority of my time chopping vegetables, however, I also helped make the mix for cornbread and contributed with whatever other tasks were asked of me. I really enjoyed my shift overall and was able to talk to meet and connect with a lot of people from different backgrounds. I can't wait for my next shift.

My first shift volunteering at DCCK was very eye-opening. It began when I got out of the uber and took about five minutes looking for the entrance when a group of people standing outside the building help directed me. Then we all sat down in a small room and watched a motivating video that described the importance of the work that we were about to do today. After the video, we were divided into small groups and given a task in the kitchen. For me, I was chopping vegetables that were to be used for soup. What I really enjoyed about the experience was not only the great feeling of knowing I was truly helping people's lives but also the several new individuals that I met and talked with during the shift, and I can't wait to go back.

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