GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA: Community Volunteer Day at Second Harvest Food Bank

On Friday, July 19, 2024, GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA held its first Community Volunteer Day at Second Harvest Food Bank. It was an incredible day filled with teamwork, community spirit, and the joy of giving back.

Packing Food Boxes for Louisiana

Our mission for the day was to pack food boxes destined for distribution across Louisiana. Ten dedicated volunteers from GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA signed up to make this event a success. Upon arrival, we were shown to a long row of tables where each of us took our positions. Each volunteer was responsible for adding a different food item to the boxes as they moved down the assembly line.

Teamwork and Effort

The task was simple yet impactful. Each volunteer had their own challenges, depending on the item they were handling. Some packed heavier items like liters of juice, while others managed canned food or dried goods such as grits and rice. Despite the differences in difficulty, everyone worked together seamlessly, ensuring each box was packed with care.

Overcoming Challenges

Although it was warm inside the food bank, large fans provided some relief, and water was always available to keep everyone hydrated. The environment buzzed with a sense of purpose and camaraderie as volunteers chatted and encouraged each other.

Early Birds and Preparedness

A special shout-out goes to Julia DiRe, one of our enthusiastic participants, who had already volunteered earlier in the week. Julia helped by taping and prepping the boxes for the food, ensuring our packing process ran smoothly.

Noticing the Lucky Few Arrows

We couldn’t help but notice the DS three arrows displayed throughout the building. This minimalist design of three arrows was created by Mica May, a designer and mother of a child with Down syndrome, to celebrate her friendships and their children. The three arrows represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome that cause Down syndrome, and the arrows symbolize how people can rise up and move forward after being pulled back. The Lucky Few tattoo went viral after pictures of matching tattoos were shared on social media.

Thank you, Second Harvest Food Bank, for the support and for proudly displaying this meaningful symbol!

Building Community Spirit

This Community Volunteer Day was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and make a difference for our neighbors across Louisiana. It showcased the power of community and the positive impact we can have when we work together.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to more such events in the future and hope to see more participants, volunteers, friends, and family join us for our next Community Volunteer Day. Together, we can continue to support our communities and spread kindness.

Thank you to everyone who made this day a success. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive!

Stay tuned for updates on our next event!

About GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA

GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA is dedicated to providing free educational and therapeutic-based programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. Our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.

For more information, visit GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA.

Volunteer. Donate. Advocate. Together, we can make a difference!