Live Loud: Serve the Community

Dear Pennies & Pens,

As y’all know, I am making serving the community a priority. Therefore, last month, I connected with the American Red Cross to start volunteering. I have been looking for ways to get involved and y’all know that is difficult because of the pandemic. 

In fact, it was this pandemic and the events of January 6th that made me realize that we have to be the change we want to see in the world. We must do as Michael Jackson said: “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” So instead of complaining, I am rolling up my sleeves to see how I can help others. 

The American Red Cross has several virtual volunteer opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities where you can practice social distancing and wear a mask. After completing my application & background check, I connected with the North Texas Red Cross team members to start volunteering. I am pleased to say that I will be working with the Donor Recruitment team to help recruit donors for those with Sickle Cell Anemia.

I am very excited to start working on this project! However, in the meantime, God had other plans for my fellow Texans and I. Last week, there was a winter storm in Texas causing power and internet outages, pipes were bursting which resulted in many being without running water as well as food and water shortages. It was truly a mess down here in Texas last week. The energy just felt heavy and negative. 

But by God’s grace, we survived the Texas Winter Storm. To help with the storm’s aftermath, this week, the Red Cross was looking for volunteers to help hand out water. I decided to sign up for Tuesday & Wednesday. On Tuesday, I was at the Mattie Nash-Myrtle Davis Park and on Wednesday, I was at Kiest Recreation Center. 

It was an absolutely amazing experience!!! Like Pennies & Pens, it may sound cliche or nerdy, but helping others is so much fun. I truly had a blast. Upon arriving, the on-site supervisor directed me to help hand out cases of water. I could’ve helped direct cars but I want to hand out water because since I work from home, I don’t get nearly enough physical activity. 

While at Mattie Nash-Myrtle Davis Park, one of the Parks & Recreation employees who was also there to help out noted that the Mayor would be coming to help. I thought he was joking at first. But y’all get this – Mayor Eric Johnson did in fact come and help hand out water. 

Not only that, he brought his 6 year old son William. William was a true blessing!!! It was amazing to see a child serving. Y’all William was putting water in cars and keep in mind we were giving out cases of water. Like that water was heavy, I was struggling too but made it work. 

Thank God for allowing the Mayor and his son to be a blessing. I am so blessed to say that I was able to get a picture with the mayor. I’ll be honest, I almost didn’t because my shirt got dirty while handing out water cases and I was wearing one of my Pennies & Pens T-Shirts “Year of the Dark Skin Girl” so I didn’t want my brand looking crazy.

But then it hits me – Pen, stop looking for the perfect moment. When are you gonna meet the Mayor in such a chill setting and be able to take a picture with him?! So I got a picture. I didn’t pose and although I was smiling, I had my mask on. 

And I wasn’t going to wear my hair out because it’s braided and the saddest part of being Black is that people look at you funny when you wear your hair out in such a style in public. But that morning, I decided not to wear a scarf and be proud of my natural hair. I mean I ain’t know the Mayor was coming and I wasn’t there for a fashion show, I was there to serve.

Moving right along, this was by far one of the best experiences of my life. Every time we handed out a case of water the person was always grateful and kind. Also, there were all kinds of people who came to both the locations I served at. It was so cool to see because it shows how diverse Dallas really is. 

In conclusion, Pennies & Pens, I would encourage you to do your research and find organizations that you can volunteer with. In this season, let’s all strive to do and be better.

Serving the community is going to put us one step closer to inking the life that we’ve always wanted. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you make it and no one else does. Let’s do like Jay Z said, “I got rich and gave back to me that’s the win/win.” 

And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.