On Thursday November 17th, I had the opportunity to table for the first annual Run Run Rudolph 5k race. Organized and planned by Kate Volpe, this race was taking place in order to raise money to support one or more families during the holiday season. However, while not enough money was raised to completely support an entire family’s holiday needs, we were able to raise enough money to buy many gifts for several families’ gifts. While this wasn’t our exact goal, it was a tremendous first step for the first ever Run Run Rudolph and is a joy to be able to help out those in need a little, even if we did not reach our goal. During my shift we raised around $50 dollars in order to help people during the holiday season receive gifts and aid when it is often needed most.
There is a deeper meaning than just buying gifts for people though. The holidays represent a time of helping others, and really extending the olive branch to those less fortunate or more in need. Whenever given the chance to help, I’ve learned to jump on it. The enriching nature of just knowing others are feeling joy they might not have felt without our help makes all the difference in the world to both them and us. By helping out someone in need now, hopefully this inspires them to help others in need when they become able to. If everyone just took the time to help just one person, the world would be a more thoughtful and caring place. The world is so full of hate, disagreement, and hostility, that it is more important now than ever to lend a helping hand in making just one person’s life just that much better however you can. It will reward not only yourself, but the entire population as the domino effect takes place in a positive and helping fashion