I thought of volunteering because it was the best I could do, considering I had no money or any other real financial support to contribute.
I was given the flyer two weeks in advance, and I was urged to come. I was a bit skeptical about a fundraising dinner, especially for Afghanistan's cause. I didn't like the fact that I would be sitting there watching and listening about the impovered and helpless people, and after the program dinner would be served. It seemed too selfish to me. The program was facilitated by Kansas City's branch of a college student group. It was a social group I always knew I was going to join in college. When I was given the flyer I was told they still needed volunteers in hopes that it will be a very successful evening. I thought, sure sign me up, considering that since I would be going I"d be much more at ease helping during the night than just sitting in the audience. Luckily, I was also able to keep volunteer duties that would still allow me to keep my attention to the program.
The program was a very informative one. One of the volunteers of the foundation who had gone and seen the situation of Afghanistan with his own eyes was the keynote speaker. I had heard of the situation there, of families living in the forest because their homes were bombed, having no shelter or food in the depths of a cold winter, and eating nothing but leaves to survive. However the program showed me more. The civilians barely had medical attention to help with malnutrition and disease. It was hard to swallow, to see how the people were left with almost nothing after their tragedy. The cause was entirely humanitarian, and they completely showed that there was a humanitarian need there.
The time came to pass out donation cards, which was one of my duties. It was difficult for me because I had nothing to give. Their goal was to raise $50,000, and they were working to get there.