Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen

For the holidays, my church organized a volunteer trip to a downtown soup kitchen. My mom said I was old enough to help this year.

My job was ladling hot soup into bowls for whoever came through the door. Some guests were shy; others told me funny jokes.

A man named Ray said my serving was the warmest meal he had all week. I will not forget his eyes — tired but grateful — for a very long time.