Last night, I returned to the weekly Community Dinner at the First Congregational Church of Ridgefield — my first time volunteering locally since coming home from my American Red Cross deployment to Muncie, Indiana, where I supported flood and tornado recovery in my volunteer role with DST (Disaster Services Technology).
During that deployment, our team worked through severe weather conditions, including the afternoon when tornado sirens went off and a tornado touched down in Muncie. Thankfully, it wasn’t close to where we were operating, but it was a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how essential reliable communications and technology support are during disaster operations.
Coming back to Ridgefield and stepping into the kitchen again felt grounding. In the photo from the evening, I’m wearing a simple chef hat and my Red Cross shirt that reads, “We’re All In This Together.” That message fits perfectly with what the Community Dinner represents. People come to enjoy a freshly cooked meal, connect with neighbors, and support Ridgefield Social Services, which this dinner directly benefits.
My role last night was straightforward: helping make grilled cheese sandwiches and assisting with serving the meal. No apron, no formal chef setup — just showing up, putting on the hat, and helping prepare food for folks who appreciate a warm dinner and the chance to support an important local service.
The contrast between Muncie and Ridgefield stood out. In Indiana, the work was urgent and high‑pressure. Here at home, the work was calm and community‑focused. But both experiences reminded me of something important:
Service takes many forms, and each one matters.
Reflections from my first night back:
- Community strength grows through consistent, everyday support.
- A warm meal can bring comfort just as much as disaster relief can bring stability.
- Returning home simply shifts the mission — it doesn’t end it.
I’m grateful to the First Congregational Church for hosting this weekly dinner and to the volunteers who make it possible. Being part of it again reminded me why I volunteer — whether it’s responding to tornadoes in the Midwest or serving grilled cheese in my hometown.
The mission stays the same: help people, strengthen community, and show up when it matters.
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Disclaimer: Due to my lifelong learning disabilities, I used Microsoft Copilot to help write this.
