Melissa Gerritsen

I think helping other people is very important. Something I've been involved in for many years is this event in the Amsterdam Zoo called 'KinderBeestFeest' (literally: ChildrenAnimalParty, also called Dreamnight@theZoo). This KinderBeestFeest (or KBF) is an once a year happening, where children in hospitals in Amsterdam and surroundings are brought to the zoo with ambulances, firetrucks, police cars and busses, so they can enjoy an afternoon full of fun in the zoo and forget about their physical problems. 

Every year many people and organizations are involved to make this event a success. I've been volunteering for this event since I'm 14 years old and seeing these children and their families happy is one of the best things I've experienced. 

Some of the tasks I've had over the years are: welcoming and instructing other volunteers, filling thousands of gift bags, preparing presents and handing these out to the hospitalized gifts, selling drinks and foods, and at the end of the night helping with the administration. 

 

Other places I've volunteered a couple of times at are Grace Now, in Richmond, KY, and The Ronald McDonald house in Amsterdam. Grace now is a food pantry and clothes closet. People and families in need can come there to get food packages and clothes. I've helped with preparing, packaging and handing out food packages to clients. The Ronald McDonald house is a house next to a hospital where families can stay if their child or children are hospitalized far away from home. Some stay just for a night, others stay for weeks. As a volunteer I helped with cleaning the main areas. Cleaning used rooms and make them ready for new guests and doing the dishes. All kinds of regular household tasks, so the families don't have to worry about anything.