DAD'S DAY, GIVING BACK & MORE
It’s June – the month we celebrate our dads. I had big plans to take my own dad on a #MomsLittleBlackBook adventure with my daughters to Guaranteed Rate Field and take a tour of the White Sox Stadium and participate in a Fan Experience.
Instead, I reflected on what my dad has taught me over the years when I find myself in tough times. You see, my dad is always available to me, day or night regardless of how busy he is; he has taught me to be self-confident, independent, hardworking, tolerant, and loyal. He demonstrates love, respect, faith, honor, hope, compassion, and empathy to everyone he meets regardless of race, color, or religion. Above all, he provided a loving home and taught us to give of ourselves before others.
Service work became my therapy to get me through the tough times; so, in the midst of the pandemic, I took my girls on one of the greatest adventures of the times and we volunteered with Hesed House to serve food to the homeless.
It’s hard to #StayHome when you don’t have a home.
It was eye-opening to walk into the warehouse while donning a mask and see rows upon rows of individual tents to keep clients socially distant from one another; however, when the food line opened and it was time for us to serve, I forgot all about the pandemic and remembered what my dad had taught me all these years – smile, be grateful, serve others.
We were a part of this on-site volunteer crew before they suspended on-site volunteering and relocated, but there are still so many ways to help with their urgent needs which can be found on their website and dropped at 659 S. River Street in Aurora.
#MomsLittleBlackBook plans to continue to find adventures of service this summer, such as one of the many opportunities through Giving DuPage www.givingdupage.galaxydigital.com/urgentvolunteerneed/
So, this Father’s Day, I hope to always remember to spread a smile and help those around me.
Overview
Hesed House is the second largest homeless shelter in the State of Illinois, and the largest shelter outside of the city of Chicago, utilizing more than 7,000+ volunteers from over 90 area churches, businesses and service organizations to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness every year.
Hesed House
659 South River Street
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 897-2156
Hours: See website for opportunities
Price $: FREE
ABOUT THE WRITER
Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy. Read her past columns at
