It was a year ago that I found myself at Chabad's program for children with special needs for the first time. As an elementary education student at Oakland University I was required to fulfill a 70-hour requirement of working with children. I had the option of volunteering or working, but I chose to volunteer. I called my mom and asked her about this program where I knew she had volunteered. She made a call and then called me back. She said, “Here’s the number of a girl named Leah, she’ll be able to help you out.”
I called Leah and arranged for my first activity. I learned something from those kids that no professor could have ever taught me, and that was love. Ever since that short trip I have volunteered as often as I can. With my demanding school and work schedule it can be quite difficult to get over there, but every time I go I feel as though nothing else matters.
Every time I see the wonderful smiling faces of the staff, I am reminded that a very special place exists, with very special people.
Michelle Markzon
Volunteer
