13-year-old volunteers despite lack of vision
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH)–People who volunteer their time to make sure others who need food get it, are often considered heroes by those whom they help. In central Ohio there are hundreds of volunteers have been helping during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
One of those volunteers, with her own barriers, is 13-year-old MaKenzie Love. It could be said Love has a passion for volunteering. She explained this helps give her purpose and keeps her busy, two things that are important to her.
Love lives with being blind since birth. She refuses to allow that from stopping her. Her volunteer activities include teaching other kids how to read braille at summer camp. This year, the pandemic prevented her from participating in that activity and from volunteering at an elementary school this spring.
Unlike children with the ability to see, Love cannot simply go outside and play. She was like other kids were trapped inside during the Stay at Home order, it was almost worse for her not being able to get out and about.
As soon as the order was lifted, she began searching for opportunities to get out of the house and be part of something again. She found the Grove City Food Pantry needed help delivering boxes of food to people in need.
She says, the people she visits were thankful and it filled her with joy. Love explained that sometimes things get emotional when people realize she is blind and taking her time to help them. Ultimately, she hopes to show that in spite of her blindness she can overcome anything.
“There are obstacles along the way, but we can overcome those, and we can’t be stopped,” said Love.
Another volunteer at the pantry has been inspired by Love’s commitment to volunteering. Mark Sigrist helps with the delivery service the pantry has been using.
“The fact that she’s blind and this doesn’t stop her from wanting to help our community, I just think that’s amazing,” said Sigrist. “She doesn’t see any limits for herself and I think that’s just amazing and sometimes. Maybe that teaches us something about those of us that can see. We do see limits or think we see limits.”
Love is one of several volunteers that help the Grove City Food Pantry. Sigrist talked about how he sees all kinds of people giving their time and energy to help others.
“It’s been very interesting to see the different combinations of teams, I would say, that often show up to help and go together, and do something together, and contribute this this community,” said Sigrist.
Still, a blind 13-year-old girl has impressed him the most.
“She’s probably done more as a 13-year-old in her life than most of us have done in a lifetime, so it’s pretty inspiring and just amazing to be associated with her,” said Sigrist.
Sometime after the Fourth of July holiday, the Grove City Food Pantry will be transitioning to a drive-up/ pick-up model of distributing the food. That may make it a little more difficult for volunteers like Love to help.
However, organizers say, there may still be some people that cannot leave their homes and come get food, and there may still be opportunities for Love to spread the kindness in her heart.