I've donated to food banks before. Dropped cans in bins, clicked donate, felt okay about it. What I wasn't prepared for was how different it feels to actually be there, standing next to someone while they choose what to bring home to feed their family.

Food scarcity is real. I knew that. But knowing it and seeing it are two different things. The people who came in were lovely. Grateful in a way that stays with you. And the work happening inside that building, quietly, every single day, is significant.

Rosa, who works there, moves through that space with a kind of calm purpose that's genuinely inspiring. Donna helped people make their selections with patience and care. Larry was unloading the tail end of a truck delivery and stocking shelves without missing a beat. Nobody was performing. Everyone was just doing the work.

I went in thinking I was giving three hours. I came out with something I didn't expect — a reminder that there are a lot of good people out there doing quiet, important things, and that being around them for even a few hours does something for you. Something good.

If you've been thinking about volunteering but haven't done it yet, I'd say don't wait for the perfect opportunity. Just show up somewhere. You might get more out of it than you think.

Long Island Cares has volunteer opportunities regularly. And if you're looking for other ways to get involved across Long Island, that's exactly what Proof Positive Network is built for. Just find one you like and hopefully I’ll see you there.

Till next time,

Let’s find something good to do.