SRAI Off the Clock | Refilling My Cup
As a research administrator, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and bone-tired at the end of each day. Bilbo Baggins stated it perfectly when he mused, “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.” There truly are days where my cup runs dry, and I feel as though I accomplished nothing. To refill my cup, I choose to use my skills for the greater good! Two of my favorite pastimes are crochet and cooking for loved ones. I’ve utilized those talents to volunteer for the Loose Ends Project and Lasagna Love.
The Loose Ends Project pairs knitters, crocheters, quilters, and almost any type of fiber artist with a project that was left behind when loved ones leave. For my first project, I was asked to complete an infant cardigan started by a great-grandmother for her new great-grandchild. It both refilled my cup and my heart to finish such a wonderful gift. I often think of how such precious handmade gifts will be passed down through generations. As someone from a long line of fiber artists, I feel at peace when pouring love into a handmade present. Many others have completed quilts, tapestries, scarves, and afghans. Loose Ends will pair a crafter with a project based on skill level, location, and comfort level, so even if you are a beginner, your work will be appreciated.
And for those who love to cook for others, Lasagna Love is a wonderful organization! Volunteers spread kindness by cooking and delivering lasagna (or ziti or alfredo!) to local families in need of some extra love. Volunteers can choose how far they will travel and how many lasagna dishes they want to make each week or month. To smell a sauce simmering on my stove all day and know it will fill the bellies of a family who needs a helping hand is one of the fastest ways to refill my cup.
Does your cup need to be filled? Even if you don’t like to cook or can’t wield a G-hook with the dexterity of a knitting ninja, you can still use your skills to help refill your cup. Enjoy playing video games? Participate in Campathon with Games for Love. Love animals? Become a dog (or cat or pot-bellied pig!) walker for your local rescue organization. Enjoy watching YouTube? Volunteer to add closed captions to videos for YouTubers. Whatever your hobby or skill, you can always find a way to use it to refill your cup and add butter to your bread!
Want to Volunteer?
Become a Finisher at the Loose Ends Project: https://www.looseendsproject.org/finisher
Send love with Lasagna: https://lasagnalove.org/volunteer/
Authored by Meaghan Ventura, Senior Sponsored Projects Officer
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
#Catalyst#August2023#SRAIOfftheClock