First things first is... Wow. The organization and structure of this non-profit organization was astounding. As soon as our S.I.S. team walked into the doors we were given instructions of what to do, where to do it, and how to do it instantly. We were put into an assembly line, assigned to do a job and thoroughly, and then put to work! This goes to show me that Friendship Trays handles volunteers on the regular and knows exactly how their organization works. As I was working the assembly line we would have to alter meals and put certain foods on the trays or not put certain foods on the tray and finally someone asked why. This organization goes as far as preparing meals for special diets, like for people with diabetes or other medical conditions. The clients do pay for their meals based on income but seeing how Friendship Trays is a non-profit obviously not all of the income pays for the organization.
We also went to Friendship Gardens the next day. This organization actually grows food that Friendship Trays uses in their meals! Friendship Gardens sends majority of their food to friendship trays but they also use the garden as a learning tool for the community and volunteers. When we went we were put to work! We moved lumber, various heavy pieces of wood, we spread a WHOLE lot of mulch and wheelbarrow... that's a lot of manual labor and sweat! But I got a tan and had a blast socializing with the team! One of my favorite days yet!
We also went to Friendship Gardens the next day. This organization actually grows food that Friendship Trays uses in their meals! Friendship Gardens sends majority of their food to friendship trays but they also use the garden as a learning tool for the community and volunteers. When we went we were put to work! We moved lumber, various heavy pieces of wood, we spread a WHOLE lot of mulch and wheelbarrow... that's a lot of manual labor and sweat! But I got a tan and had a blast socializing with the team! One of my favorite days yet!