Coordinating an event, regardless of size, requires a significant level of commitment. The scope of logistical details and the reliance on volunteers intensify as the event’s scale increases. One Silverstar mentors many youths I would like to share with you a personal account from Johnathan, a volunteer, detailing his experience with the MCD back to school event.
On Sunday August 3rd I joined the One Silverstar team and other volunteers to help with Marquette Community Day (MCD). Not being from the area, I hadn’t heard of MCD before but quickly learned that it was an annual event focused on bringing together the local community for a day of fun while also providing essential items for students about to go back to school. I arrived at the park a little before 8 and soon after Mrs. Logan and Tori, another volunteer, arrived. We unloaded the truck and I was surprised by not only the amount of goods but also the variety. As this went on, more and more One Silverstar and MCD volunteers arrived and I was introduced to them. Everyone was very positive and willing to help and be helped. Between all the organizers and volunteers, it was cool to see a group of people so connected with the shared goal of helping people out. We set up tables and got organized. I also learned of the “kidpreneurs, young kids who ran booths during the day and were impressed by this program.
As the event drew near to the beginning, a very long line formed at the check-in and I realized this really was a big event. When the event started, I was manning a free candy bar table and Veronika, another volunteer, was supposed to be handing out ice cream. However, the ice cream machine quickly broke so she joined me at the candy station. About a half hour into the 4 hour event, we ran out of cups to put the candy in. We began to improvise using bags, bowls, and eventually paper towels. The people, however, did not care how their candy came and were very grateful. Some cautiously approached and asked if they had to pay for the candy, to which we replied “Of course not”. It was funny and heartwarming seeing some of the kids sneak up to the candy table multiple times throughout the day. When I would stop and look around, I saw hundreds of people gathered in one place all enjoying each other’s company. Kids were playing in the bouncy castle or rock climbing. People were swimming in the pool. Even though I don’t live in the neighborhood, I did feel a sense of community, especially in regards to the main goal of the day: getting kids ready for school.
Finally, we all ate some chicken and ribs together and cleaned up. I said goodbye to everyone and helped bring a table back to St. Anthony’s. It felt good knowing that I had played a part in helping with something bigger than me, and it was nice meeting all the new faces who I will hopefully work with in the future.
