A Little Taste of Heaven: Volunteering in Columbus, Ohio
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved helping and serving people. It wasn't until quite recently that I learned I am what some would call a Karma Yogi — which explains beautifully why I am always drawn to helping others. Growing up, opportunities to serve within the community were few and far between, and were always extremely structured and rigid.
Although it felt organized, it also left me wanting more from the experience.
It wasn't until very recently in my life that I met an incredible group of souls — part of a mission far bigger than my heart could ever grasp, and incredibly aligned with how I saw myself participating within the community and connecting with others.
When I was given the opportunity to participate in my first Street Mission, where we gathered food items and took them to the streets to donate and serve those who need it most, my spiritual tail began wagging, and my inner self lit up with pure joy and excitement. It was on that very first mission that I connected with a member of the inner-city community, and began planting seeds about how we could show up for one another and connect with even more souls.
Two weeks ago, I had the honor of participating in a Pop-Up Give Back, which stemmed from that beautiful connection I made a mere year ago on my first Street Mission. You truly never know where life is nudging you, and what incredible miracles you're being connected to simply by being out in the world and showing up.
With only a week and a half to prepare, the Madhukara squad gathered volunteers and so many donations, and were able to come together and organize what became one of the most majestic days of my life.
I had no expectations, and truly wasn't sure what would come of this event. As we began setting up the grill, the pop-up tent, and laying out donations, people slowly began to walk by in curiosity. Within moments, groups of people were showing up, cars were pulling in, and the entire community began engaging with our presence.
The gratitude and sheer love for us being there was visible far beyond a simple smile. Some of the community celebrated with laughs and smiles, others with tears of gratitude, many with thankful hearts for us simply being there — and some even pulled up just to hand us cash donations, asking only that we continue to show up.
Right there on site, people from the community began bringing their own clothing and items to add to what we already had out — and several asked how they could keep donating clothing going forward, wanting to be part of this beyond just that one day. It felt like a community cookout and a garage sale all wrapped up into the most fun and rewarding experience you can imagine.
My heart was cracked wide open in ways I could not have even dreamed. I was overcome with joy, and so much gratitude for the opportunity simply to connect with such amazing people. It was as though every layer of the human condition fell away, and we realized in those moments that all that truly matters is connecting with one another.
We all go through our own versions of hardship and pain, and all we need is to be reminded that we are enough, we are loved, and we are beautiful just the way we are. Spending time with this incredible community deepened my love for myself, for all of humanity, and for the sheer gift of being alive. Until you experience this, words barely scratch the surface.
The entire day was an answered prayer — not just for me and the little girl within, but I believe for every community member we were blessed to connect with. Sometimes in life, you just have to show up, expect nothing, and receive all the gifts that life has planned for you. This event was one of the greatest gifts life has given me. I can't wait to do this again, and to have others share in the joy that we all experienced.
When we are surrounded by the right people, it truly does feel as though heaven is on earth. Thank you to everyone who participated, to everyone who showed up, and most importantly to Madhukara for supporting all of my hopes and dreams. 🙏🏻
Come and experience a little taste of heaven for yourself at our community service events.
Volunteer Opportunities with Madhukara in Columbus, OH:
Our next event is Saturday, 9/26/2026. Email me at monique@madhukara.org for all the details.
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