ROUGH DRAFT: Give Kids the World

Charity is a wonderful thing. It helps those in need, and it makes us feel good about ourselves doing it. Whether we do it out of the kindness of our hearts, because we have the time to do it, in honor of a loved one in need, or for the simple reason of community service hours, it is always a gift of the heart. When most people think charity, they think of writing a check, donating money to organizations such as The Heart Association, March of Dimes or Make-a-Wish, I Care I Cure, or Save Darfur. What many forget however, is one of the greatest gift of all is not funds, but a moment of hope and happiness, which is what the North Broward Preparatory school bands provided this Saturday to those children of Give Kids the World Village.
I was lucky enough to be part of this group, in both the Pep Band, and the Jazz Band. There was the normal hectic morning as I arrived, everyone trying to help out in some way or another. I think I did my little part by bringing coffee and donuts for everyone. After we put our equipment away and got on the bus, we rushed to grab seats next to our friends. Throughout the ride, me and my friends hung out, gossiped, did what teens did. We arrived at our first stop, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not Museum. There was an extra surprise there, not just the museum. When we got out of the bus, I saw a great gift there. There were my old band-buds, from a former charity event in Europe. We got right back together, caught up, and hung out for the rest of the trip.
Ripley’s was fun and hilarious, as was lunch at Friday’s. When we got to the main event, we were given time to explore, as the sound was not working. Me and my friends went to the famed chapel. In it were four books, the Bible, the Torah, and two books that were the cumulative journals of the children and families of Give Kids the World. My closest friends and I were overcome by the chapel and the stories. As I looked around, I saw all my friends crying, and then felt the tears well up in my eyes. We had to leave; it was such an emotional setting.
As I came back to the preforming area, I was given renewed energy and conviction for what I was giving by the chapel and what it meant for me. I gave it my all, and sensed that around me, my friends and peers were doing the same. It was an amazing feeling giving of myself to those children. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I already have three times, and am looking forward to a fourth.
As we rode back from Give Kids the World, and me and my friends talked about it among other things, I reflected on my experience. It had been my 3rd time at Give Kids the World, although I knew that for many of my friends it was a first experience. I remember what it meant to me. One of the most moving experiences I felt was in the chapel. I remember seeing those around me cry out of sadness and helplessness, thinking about how unfortunate these children were. I cried as well, but for very different reasons. I cried tears of joy, looking around me, and knowing that we are in a world where everyone either has a chance for happiness, or is provided one by those who have. I cried for the happiness that Give Kids the World represented, and gave. I knew Give Kids the World did not represent sadness and helplessness, but it represented those four words in the chapel. I cried for Peace, Hope, Faith, and Love, the four factors that truly make us one, and gives every man, woman, and child, a chance.