What a fantastic final day. After the normal L-train ride and breakfast of muffins and toast, we knocked on the door of the Boring Store for the last time.
Kendra, the volunteer coordinator, sent us out on the streets of Chicago, armed with our smartphones (for navigation purposes) and an armful of 826 PR materials. We canvassed local coffee shops and bakeries, spreading the good word of the organization.
Over the course of the next few hours, we explored some of the most hipster and amazing-smelling locales in Wicker Park. I may have bought a delicious chocolate pastry and a balsamic fig macaroon. Also a ginger and peach Kombucha drink. Because I’m that fancy.
We ate a delicious lunch of cheese sticks, Greek yogurt and PB&Js made with jelly donated from a local coffee shop. The six of us worked on small things around the site, like finding a local store to donate paint and primer for a fundraiser and finishing our clean-up of the Boring Store.
As we were saying goodbye to all of the awesome leadership at 826 Chicago, they gave us certificates for volunteering there, a free book written by the kids, and spy name badges with our pictures on them. These folks are some of the sweetest people on the planet.
Ever-faithful Jayhawks, we headed to the Crossing, a KU-centric sports bar to watch the game, decked out in our Kansas apparel. Despite having to watch the game out in the cold Chi-town air, we had a blast and spoiler alert, we won the game against WVU.
Nothing we did this week felt like work. I am so fortunate to have spent the last week with a group of fabulous females, learning about our amazing site. I was blown away by the respect that the employees at 826 had for each other and the incredibly mission-driven aspect of this organization. As Ashley said – those who can do, teach. I loved tutoring Cristian, making up prompts for Yesi at the writing table, and helping Malik create his Grim Reaper short story.
Yes, I’m stressed about what I’m going back to, but I love what I’ve learned, and the inspiring and ingenious people I have met this week. I have so enjoyed being a Site Leader with Bailey and without her leadership we would not be as unified. She is brilliant at knowing when to take charge, ask for input and claims the respect of others easily.
Thanks, Alternative Breaks, 826 Chicago and my lovely ladies Maddy, Tilyn, Megan, Ashley and Bailey. You rock.
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