One of my Favorite Days of the Year
In 2021, my family and I were still new to Philadelphia. We’d moved for my job, only to find ourselves, like so many others, isolated by the pandemic and longing for community.
On MLK Day that year, my sons and I decided to deliver donations to LSH’s family shelter, Jane Addams Place. When we arrived, we asked if there was anything else we could do to help. The answer—as it so often is at LSH—was a warm, welcoming, and resounding “Yes!” Within minutes, we were organizing donations and cleaning the children’s playroom, Bright Spaces. Hours later, as we left, tired but smiling, my youngest son turned to me and said, “I love this place. I want to come back!”
And, my friends…come back we did! And in doing so, we found the most incredible community in the staff, clients, volunteers, and supporters of LSH.
That same year, we signed up to volunteer together at Jane Addams Place’s Annual Back-to-School Resource Fair. Four years later, it’s one of my family’s most cherished traditions, and truly one of my favorite days of the year.
This August, we celebrated our fourth fair. When they were younger, my sons did chalk art side-by-side with residents and learned to work the cotton candy machine. Now, as teens, they understand the deeper joy of making sure that every moment of the day is focused on helping Jane Addams Place’s youngest residents feel special, prepared, and excited for a new school year.
New backpacks. Fresh school supplies. Squeals of joy. Huge smiles. And an entire community of volunteers and staff coming together to make “our kids” feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
From that first day of pitching in at the shelter, to four years of volunteering at this beloved fair, to working with our incredible domestic violence Survivors Network, to joining the Board, and now serving as Board President, what I said at the beginning still holds true: LSH, its staff, clients, and especially “our kids,” have given me more than I could ever give back.
I will keep trying, though. And I know I’m not alone.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the joy you help create, the hope you help restore, and the community you help strengthen.
With gratitude,
Sarah Engel
Board President | Lutheran Settlement House
P.S. Watch a quick video of one of my favorite days of the year here. If you want to join us next year, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.
This story is part of Every Day at Lutheran Settlement House, a new series featuring stories from our Executive Director.
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