By: Sara O., Sunshine
The past year has been a challenge in many ways and has been different from the life we are used to. At school, in our social life, and in Rainbow, we have had to adapt to these changes, while we figure out how to continue to do the things we love and the things that remain important to us. We have learned new types of social media in all aspects of our life – the most common of which is known as “Zoom™.” The word “zoom” – up until this past year – primarily meant to move quickly. While this year may not have moved quickly, we have quickly learned a different way to do things.
One of the things that may often be done differently, while having the same importance, is acts of service. Sunshine Assembly has found many ways to continue to serve while keeping socially distant from others. For most of the year, we had to find ways to serve individually or not with other assembly members. As the pandemic conditions have improved, we have been able to get together in small groups, while protecting ourselves and those around us. It has been challenging and fun to do service projects during this time.
In the last term of 2020, we collected old towels and sheets to donate to a local humane society. All items were picked up by or delivered to our Worthy Advisor, Emily, who then, with the help of her mother, took all of the items to the animal shelter. They were so grateful, and we continue to accept and deliver items whenever anyone has them.
This term started with our members sending Valentine cards to residents of the Masonic Home in Covina. The home currently has almost 70 residents, and the four members of our assembly sent over 280 cards. In March, we delivered cookies (which had to be purchased rather than homemade) to local fire stations. The girls, wearing masks, were able to personally give the cookies to the first responders, who loved seeing the girls, and receiving the wonderful treats! In April, we were told of a local family struggling during the pandemic, as one of their children has also been battling cancer. While we weren’t able to visit with him or his family, we did provide Easter Baskets for him and his three siblings. We also gave the family a grocery store gift card, which could be used for a great Easter dinner.
For our next service project. If we can meet in person, we would like to have a picnic in a local park, inviting our families and friends. After eating lunch, the girls will clean up the park, picking up as much trash as they can, and properly disposing of it. We don’t want the month to go by without being of some service, so if we can’t get together yet as a group, we plan to have a picnic in the park closest to each member, with just members of their household. Hopefully, we can get our family members to pick up trash with us, but if not – each member of the assembly still plans to clean up the park.
For Sunshine Assembly, service is both fun and rewarding, and has become even more than ever, our way of life. We can’t wait to come up with even more ways to serve.
