Just for today – I am sad, grateful, and pissed off all at the same time. It is no accident that my first assignment was with the babies. I am more on fire than ever since leaving my corporate job on 11/30/2023. There were times of doubt, and that lie went out the window today.
Today was my first volunteering at Women Giving Back in Sterling, VA. Their mission is: Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis on a first step to stability by providing quality clothing at no cost, assisted by a caring and committed community. The experience brought back memories and sentiments in a different period of life. It’s not just a cool mission statement to hang on the wall or part of their website.
Volunteers first start with sorting. Today, they assigned me to replenish the cloth racks for girls from newborn to 24 months. Initially, I wished there was music, but I am glad it wasn’t in my working area. It allowed me to think and feel with each piece of clothing I rearranged and organized.
I felt sad that this service exists. Who would want to hurt children, incredibly that little? Their mom or someone caring about them is getting them basic survival needs at a tender age. After the initial sting, I felt a sense of gratitude. Thank goodness we are in a part of the world that makes these clothing available for the little ones. I especially appreciate the thoughtfulness of this organization, which only gives away items in excellent condition, with no stains, beat-ups, inappropriate wording, or marketing materials. I had to inspect each piece, and if they had any of those things, they went into “the red bag.” It is RED for rejects. I get agitated when people donate things that are in bad shape. How careless. These women need a sense of dignity for themselves and their children.
On the drive home, I got more emotional and reminded of why I am building Spark to Freedom. I don’t understand why people want to hurt women or these tiny people who didn’t ask to be here in the first place. As adults, we can make choices, even rotten decisions. But these kiddos don’t stand a chance; they are genuinely helpless.