Today, I had the opportunity to pay a visit to Willing Hearts, a volunteer based non-profit organization, that seeks to reach out to the poor and needy by providing daily means and support. I had known Uncle Tony (the one who spearheaded this project) perhaps since I entered the convent. He has been a great friend of ours, starting from helping us in printing our vocation materials to printing some of our publication and now we also benefited from his projects of sharing with the poor.
As I entered the kitchen, all I see were volunteers with smiling faces, busy with cooking and packing the lunch boxes. Not much conversation going on, yet you can see their collaboration and unity. Each holding the same goal in their hearts. At the back, a group of young people preparing ingredients for the cook. Near the entrance of Willing Hearts, some men were coordinating the deliveries--who and where to send the lunch, etc.
What strike me most when my friend Jennifer asked Uncle Tony, is there any preparation or requirements for those who want to volunteer and he replied: the moment they enter here, they must have a willing heart.
And again when Jen asked why not get corporate companies to help in sponsoring (Willing Hearts not only need volunteers to offer their service, but also monetary means esp. for rental of the place, electrical and water bills, etc.), Uncle Tony just said: when we do charity, it is always a one-way giving. That speaks it all. In other words, true charity does not ask for returns or recognition nor acknowledgement.
A heart willing to give, to love, to serve. When the heart is willing, all others come into being--willing to listen, willing to act. What is my heart?
As I entered the kitchen, all I see were volunteers with smiling faces, busy with cooking and packing the lunch boxes. Not much conversation going on, yet you can see their collaboration and unity. Each holding the same goal in their hearts. At the back, a group of young people preparing ingredients for the cook. Near the entrance of Willing Hearts, some men were coordinating the deliveries--who and where to send the lunch, etc.
What strike me most when my friend Jennifer asked Uncle Tony, is there any preparation or requirements for those who want to volunteer and he replied: the moment they enter here, they must have a willing heart.
And again when Jen asked why not get corporate companies to help in sponsoring (Willing Hearts not only need volunteers to offer their service, but also monetary means esp. for rental of the place, electrical and water bills, etc.), Uncle Tony just said: when we do charity, it is always a one-way giving. That speaks it all. In other words, true charity does not ask for returns or recognition nor acknowledgement.
A heart willing to give, to love, to serve. When the heart is willing, all others come into being--willing to listen, willing to act. What is my heart?