Meet Halle. This hardworking Howard University junior has spent every Christmas holiday since her childhood helping the homeless of Baltimore. Each vacation, Halle makes gift baskets with her family including coats, hats, gloves, toiletries, canned goods, water and other necessities. Then, she and her family personally deliver them to the disadvantaged men, women and children in her hometown’s shelter.
“Hearing each of their stories brought tears to my eyes because I care about the well being of others,” Halle said. “When they saw that there were canned goods in the gift baskets, they immediately began to cry and said that this was their only meal of the day.”
The children are always happy to see volunteers like Halle and her loved ones; because of their living conditions, spending time with visitors is a rare occurrence—almost a luxury. To entertain them, Halle and her mother frequently read to the children and served them food to make sure that the impoverished children are well nourished.
“Knowing that I made a difference in the lives of others motivates me,” Halle explained. “Giving back is self-rewarding…I have a moral duty to serve others who are in need.”