Growing up being quite fortunate usually blocks children’s point of view on world problems. Except from the time I was young, I vividly remember my mom’s constant push toward helping out those in need.

At age eight I began volunteering for Almost Home Foundation, an animal rescue founded in Elk Grove, where every Saturday from 11:00-3:00 I assisted the organization in adopting animals (mostly cats).

Through the nine years of working for the rescue and becoming the Director of Youth Volunteers I have experienced pretty much the worst possible situations and the best, from cats being returned because their owners have to move into their cars, to a cat being used at target practice and losing its eye. But in the very same day that same cat could be adopted into a beautiful home with new dedicated adoptee, made possible through my organization.

At age 12 I founded a volunteer organization in Elk Grove. The Leo Club is a branch off the biggest volunteer organization in the world, The Lions Club, in which the Leo club is also nationally recognized. Through my work with the rescue I decided to make the Leo Club’s first project a pet food drive. In one month each year, for four years my club has collected around 5,000 items to benefit the animals. Fellow EG students are a part of the club, and we accept new members openly.

The club provides kids 12-18 with the opportunity to be of aid for our community and the world in a laid back environment.

Volunteering, no matter if it is once a week or once a year, is bound to help those who are less fortune than you and your family. It is not just to make you look marketable on your college applications, (even though it does help) but simply to benefit those around you. And you don’t always appreciate your life until you experience those who struggle on a daily basis.

By; Marki Kaim