Giving Back in Philadelphia

I had the chance to spend three days in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, an area that doesn't get nearly enough support. I spent time cleaning up the streets — picking up trash, medical waste, and dirty needles — just trying to make the block a little safer for the people who live there. I also volunteered at St. Francis Inn Ministries, a soup kitchen that runs on the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity. We served warm meals, but more than that, we just sat with people, talked, and tried to be present. I also got to work with Marie's Closet, which serves families, elderly folks, and young people who are going through really hard times. What stood out most wasn't any single task — it was the reminder that showing up and treating people like they matter can mean more than anything else you could offer.