We’re excited to share that One Silverstar is actively mentoring many young people in our community! We believe in a “hands-up” approach, offering a helping hand and a listening ear to empower the next generation. It’s a privilege to work alongside these incredible youths as they build a bright future. Delilah was part of the STL Youth, I had the pleasure of working alongside with such a beautiful, smart and vibrant young lady. She only was able to work alongside for about 4 weeks she had to prepare to return back to collage in Montgomery, Alabama as a Sophomore studying Forensic Biology as a major and Community Sustainability as a minor. I often ask my students to write a brief narrative about their experiences working along side with me. By asking the students to do this not only do it helps them to reflect and express what they have learned , I believe that it will inspire them to incorporate what they have learned to their everyday life. In addition this gives me the opportunity to better myself. Yes I believe we learn a lot from our youths. Here’s her experience:
Delilah Woods
One Silverstar Experience
Hello, my name is Delilah Woods, and I have had the opportunity to serve as a work aide at
One Silverstar, a local food pantry dedicated to supporting underserved families in our
community. From preparing boxes of food to engaging with volunteers and clients, I gained a
deeper appreciation for both the needs of my community and the power of service. What began
to give back became a transformative experience that taught me teamwork, compassion, and
resilience.
Each morning brought a different task—bagging food, folding bedding, sorting clothing, or
cleaning. There was always something meaningful to do, and working alongside welcoming
volunteers made the work genuinely enjoyable. I had the honor of meeting some of the wisest
and kindest people, whose testimonies deeply inspired me to continue giving back. Through
conversations during prep, I was able to hear their stories and motivations, which helped build
bonds that made even the most routine tasks feel impactful. I realized that service is just as much
about human connection as it is about labor.
The workload at One Silverstar could be physically demanding. Hauling heavy boxes, operating
in the heat, and standing for long hours required stamina. However, these tasks taught me the
value of endurance and patience. The hard work paid off when I had the chance to personally
hand out the items I had packed and saw the gratitude on people’s faces. That direct interaction
reminded me of the real purpose behind each effort. One Silverstar did a remarkable job not just
providing material support but also creating a space of warmth and comfort. Clients often came
simply to talk with volunteers, and some even stayed to help. Seeing the community come
together in that way was truly heartwarming and proved that this foundation was rooted in love,
dignity, and support.
Of course, no environment is without challenges. While the experience was largely positive,
there were internal issues that limited the pantry’s full potential. At times, power dynamics
created unnecessary tension. Some individuals took on leadership roles without emphasizing
teamwork, which sometimes led to volunteer division and decreased morale. Additionally, there
were occasions when certain people prioritized personal gain—taking items before distribution
or avoiding tasks while still benefitting from the pantry’s resources. It is important to remember
that we are in these spaces to bless others, not to put ourselves first. Lastly, some leaders did not
always contribute physically yet expected high performance from others. Rather than offering
guidance or patience when tasks were not done to their liking, they were often quick to criticize.
These issues, while real, are solvable through better communication, shared responsibility, and a
reminder that we are all here with a common purpose: to serve others with humility and care.
Despite the hurdles, my time at One Silverstar reaffirmed my belief in the power of community.
I did not just distribute food—I learned names, listened to life stories, and saw the dignity in
each exchange. This experience has strengthened my passion for serving others and reminded me
that meaningful change starts with showing up, listening, and leading with heart.
