Being raised by a single parent, I saw from a very young age how it takes a village. I learned how though we didn't always have much, my mother did what she could to help those around her, and gave of her time when giving money wasn't an option.

That being said, community service is super important to my husband and me. We've raised our twins to also value being of service and giving back. We are involved weekly with an incredible organization, Zawadi Cultural Collective, where we set up a food distribution line. We collect over 200 lbs of food from local stores and share them, no questions asked, with the community. We live in a lower to middle class area and these folks have come to rely on us, setting up in the parking lot, rain or shine every Saturday morning. Our family participates in many different kinds of volunteer opportunities, but this group has become like family.

I'm grateful to be a part of easing the burden of food insecurity, and incredibly grateful my children understand the importance of helping where they can, just as I did as a child. It makes our community stronger! We have to hold each other up during hard times and give hope and comfort to those in need.

One of the pics I'm most proud of was the day my seventeen year old signed up to donate blood, all by herself. I've hosted blood drives many times and they know how strongly I feel about blood donation!! I was in a bad way when I delivered them and blood donation saved my life. I'm proud to see my daughters uphold the standards we've set for them. Having a selfless heart and a need to give. I feel like I am honoring my mother, as they do me, with these simple acts of kindness and service.