Lanni's Story - Giving Back for #GivingTuesday
This story originally appeared in November 2015 as part of our #GivingTuesday campaign. Search had just launched its Community Life program, with the goal of providing people with opportunities to participate in a variety of local volunteer experiences. Now in its second year, the program has really caught fire with the people we serve. So far in 2016, over 100 people participate in volunteer activities through Community Life on a regular basis.
The sense of usefulness, optimism and meaning our volunteers get from giving back has been truly inspiring. They’re happier, more optimistic and more connected to their community. Their generosity shines a light on the many ways people of all abilities can contribute to their communities. Search volunteers prove that all it takes is one person to make a difference and awaken the spirit of giving in others.
Lanni recently started volunteering at Feed My Starving Children - Schaumburg through Search’s community life program. Feed My Starving Children provides life-saving meals for those who need them most. Lanni, along with other Search volunteers, places expiration date labels on specially formulated meals for malnourished children at FMSC’s Schaumburg, IL packing site. These meals are then sent to people in need across the world.
Lanni’s experience at FMSC has been motivating and something she really looks forward to. “I like it. It helps feed the children around the world”, she says about her volunteer work. But Lanni was inspired to do more. She had bought a pack of M&M Minis and the FMSC staff said that if she filled it with change, she could donate it to their cause. Since then, Lanni has been working diligently to gather enough change to fill the bag.
Lanni’s roommate has been inspired by her dedication and is following in Lanni’s footsteps to collect change for FMSC. Lanni’s experience embodies the spirit of #GivingTuesday – the idea that one person’s small act of generosity can make a ripple that inspires others to give back.
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This article was originally published in 2016.
In November 2017, we invite you to join Search in our celebration of the spirit of giving!
On Tuesday, November 28th, 2017, #GivingTuesday, we have a one day challenge match. A generous donor will match all online donations of $25+ to Search, Inc. on November 28th. Our goal is to raise $20,000 in 24 hours.
Find out more about #GivingTuesday at Search: http://www.search-inc.org/get-involved/givingtuesday