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| Alyssa at the Children's Book Swap this past June for United Way's Day of Action. |
When I
started my summer internship with Marshfield Area United Way I did not know
what to expect. I knew that they helped the community and provided volunteer
opportunities for others which is what intrigued me to apply. I now know they
do so much more than that! Since I started my internship I have had the
opportunity to go on site visits and see first-hand how they help fund certain
organizations. I have also been able to organize and work events such as our 5K
for United Way and our annual backpack and school supply drive, coordinate
volunteers, and build positive relationships with coworkers and other community
members.
A specific
site visit that I will always remember is our visit to Mary’s Place. Mary’s
Place provides housing for low income individuals and has a Genesis Room for
homeless individuals which is funded by United Way. I was shocked by the
generosity of the staff who work there, the history of the building, how
organized and clean it was, and what they do to provide individuals with a
place to live when they could have been homeless instead. This experience makes
me appreciate that I have a roof over my head and I will no longer take that
for granted.
Another
experience that has touched me the most is the backpack and school supply drive,
because I am striving for a degree in education. I did not realize that each
year United Way provides hundreds of families with school supplies because they
are not able to afford it for their children. As a future teacher I am proud to
say that I am helping these children get what they need in order to be ready
for school which will hopefully allow them to succeed in school. This means
more to me than words can describe, because I am so passionate about teaching
and doing everything I can to help provide a positive future for children.
My time with
Marshfield Area United Way has opened my eyes and changed my whole outlook on
life. I am thankful for this opportunity and will never forget it. I truly feel
that I have made a difference in the community and in many individuals’ lives. This experience is just the beginning to my
time spent supporting a community that I truly care about. You, too, can make a
difference. Find out how at www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org.
Alyssa Breu
Summer Intern
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