When my Student Council planned a field trip to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it was a shelter that helped people experiencing homelessness, but I didn't fully understand the depth of what they do, or how much a small act of giving could mean. That day changed everything for me.
The Orlando Union Rescue Mission, also known as OURM, has been one of Central Florida's oldest and largest providers of homeless services. Their mission isn't just to give people a place to sleep. It's to completely transform lives. They provide private rooms, three meals a day, education programs for adults and children, career guidance, life skills courses, addiction recovery support, mental health assistance, and Christ-centered care. They believe that every single person has worth, no matter their story. Walking through their doors and seeing that belief in action was something I will never forget.
I'm always thinking about how I can make a difference, and I've made it a core part of my business. When a fidget is purchased, I donate a fidget.. So when I learned about OURM and their mission, I decided to donate a collection of fidget toys I had gathered. Fidgets might seem small. They're just little tools you squeeze or spin. But for kids who are anxious, stressed, or going through something hard, they can be incredibly calming and comforting. I knew that the children staying at OURM were going through some of the toughest moments of their young lives. Homelessness is scary. It's uncertain. And sometimes, something as simple as a fidget toy in your hand can help you breathe a little easier.
Donating those fidgets felt personal to me. I started my fidget business because I love how much they help people focus and feel calm. Knowing that the fidgets I cared about were going to kids who really needed that comfort. Kids who maybe didn't have much to hold onto right now. Giving where I can make a difference made my heart feel full.
During the visit, I had the incredible honor of meeting Mr. Fred Clayton. He was so warm, so passionate, and so clearly dedicated to the people the Mission serves. Hearing him talk about the lives that have been transformed through OURM reminded me that real change doesn't happen by accident. It happens because people choose to show up, to care, and to give. I felt inspired just being in the same room as him.
I'm grateful that Mrs. Wellons through her work in Student Council, gave us the chance to go on this field trip. I'm appreciative and blessed that Student Council pushes us to think beyond ourselves. Community service isn't just something you do for a grade or a requirement. It's about recognizing that we're all connected, and that we each have something to offer.
If you've been sitting on something you could donate. Clothes, books, toys, or yes, even fidgets, I hope this encourages you to go for it. You never know whose day you might change.