On 23rd September, we had the opportunity to contribute to the vital work of Train of Hope in providing aid and support to refugees. Throughout the day, we focused on different tasks to help Train of Hope provide essential support and create a safe, welcoming place for refugees. Our goal for the volunteer day was simple yet impactful: to help Train of Hope deliver aid effectively and ensure that those in need are given the resources and space they need.

The day before we arrived at Train of Hope, we organized and collected much-needed material donations, focusing on the items that were most urgent. Later, we delivered these donations to Train of Hope. These material donations are crucial for meeting the organization’s immediate needs and supporting its long-term mission.

When we arrived at Train of Hope, we split up the work into two primary tasks: some of us sorted donations to get them ready for distribution, while others handled the garden maintenance, prepping it for the upcoming season. The day kicked off with physical labor in the garden. We tackled overgrown trees, carefully felling them and later gathering them in one place. We also chopped off all the branches and shredded them to prepare the material for future use and clear the space. Following this, we trimmed unruly bushes and mowed the grass across a large section of the garden. Our efforts aimed at transforming the space into a clean and welcoming area to be used for gardening in the upcoming years. Meanwhile, indoors, other team members diligently sorted and organized boxes of donations, which included essential clothing, household items, and hygiene products – all crucial resources for the refugees Train of Hope serves.

For us, the day at Train of Hope was truly rewarding and felt like a meaningful experience. It was not only about helping the community; the day also brought our team closer together. The mix of physical tasks and organizational work kept everyone engaged, and it was gratifying to see tangible results of our efforts by the end of the day. We would highly recommend this kind of volunteer day to other groups or anyone looking to make a difference.

Author: Edhem Recica