Last weekend I was at the East Boston YMCA Healthy Kids Day, working at a table for the Walk For Hunger. Unfortunately it was a wet, rainy morning and all the festivities had to be brought inside. Although the weather was gloomy, the energy and families were not. Kids poured in with parents with all their rain boots, umbrellas and jackets with huge smiles and seemed truly happy and excited for what their morning entailed. Many families attended and went through the tables of YMCA programs, the Walk for Hunger table, got samples of healthy snacks and recipes, got their faces painted, had dental and medical screenings and enjoyed many of the classes that they were offering that day. It was clear that the kids and families were enjoying the day and everything that the YMCA was doing. I had a lot of families come by ask about the walk and everyone had either heard about it, done it before, or planned on doing it. Being in communities is such an amazing experience, there's always something new. Today was no different. After talking to a few parents and some of the staff, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment, not for myself but for everything that the Walk For Hunger is and stands for and for everything that the YMCA, Healthy Kids Day, and all the other organizations out there that are helping people in any way. It all matters and makes a difference, however big or small. I always knew that anything that is done can make a difference but seeing people so grateful for an event like Healthy Kids Day and the Walk For Hunger makes everything very real and concrete. This was a great event to attend right before the Walk For Hunger and generally a great event for everyone involved.
-Allison Colson
-Allison Colson