One Step At A Time: Feeding the Needy

There's no need for a reason to reach out and help someone. Under the leadership of Nor Adzua Yaacob, our head of Co-Curriculum Department, IISM (S) organized a community service with Feeding the Needy (FTN).

Feeding the Needy is an NGO who has been distributing food and toiletries to street friends. They have been doing this for two years and on every Thursday. They are on Facebook at Feeding the Needy (FTN) and on Instagram at @feedingtheneedy .

The work started weeks earlier from the day of event and our students, especially the grade 11 helped with packing the items. Mainly we were dealing with toiletries. Our products came from TESCO and GIANT but kak Adzua had to scout around before she finds what was necessary.

This programme would not be a success if the other teachers did not lend a hand. Truly a teamwork makes the job easier.

On the day of event, we reached in front of CIMB, Jalan Chow Kit at 8.15 pm. As we arrived we found a group of street friends already waiting. The students arrived with bus later at 8.30pm. However, we did not start until its 9pm.

The volunteers at FTN we arranging the space and they were very systematic. Everything was laid out properly and our students started transferring the toiletries to the designated space.

Then, students were assigned with duties and everything was carried out smoothly. Some students were distributing food, some were in charge of toiletries, some were giving out milk powder packets.

Some students were taken back when they were not allowed to give the milk packets to those who came and ask. The FTN team has a voucher system where a piece of paper was given to the street friends. The street friends were then given certain items according to the voucher. No second round is entertained. FTN wants to accommodate the crowd who turned up and the team doesn't want to disappoint anyone.

After the distribution, the son of a volunteer, Firdaus took us to see the other section. At the back alley, mothers and children are gathered and given a class on Art and Craft. Firdaus informed us that Miss Nina and Faizal Tahir came for a light entertainment on one session.

After the night calmed down, we were separated into three groups for cleaning up. We were given one glove and a rubbish bag. Carefully our team leader instructed us to collect what we can see. She reminded us not to put our hand where we can't see anything visible. This is because we might find needles and syringe. On such occasion we were instructed to alert out team leader. We were also told not to grab the rubbish instead pick it up with our fingers.

Lastly, feedback session. We were told that the FTN team had to stop four fights that night. This happened because the bread distribution team missed out a few street friends. FTN team leader, Puan

Mimi Liana Nasharuddin reminded us that to the street friends, each meal is precious. Hence, when they start to compare with their friend's who got the meal they didn't get, they become upset.

Although I joined the FTN two years earlier with my cousins, it was a completely different experience to do it with our students. I am sure our students will treasure this memories and I hope they will learn to appreciate the things they have in life.

If any of you are interested to volunteer with FTN, just sign up at their FB page Feeding the Needy (FTN).