Mission:Change truly believes we can “Change The World From Your Backyard” and with our volunteers we put that statement into action. On a cold fall morning we descended once again on the park in central Albany at Davis Street and First Avenue. We chose to spend those few hours Saturday investing in the lives of the impoverished children of Albany. We had an amazing day! Each of us leaving had a better understanding of giving of one’s self.

Through the kindness of the community we set up inflatable games, had old fashioned sack races, tug-o-war, banana relays (oh yea), face painting, hay rides and so much more. Each child and adult was provided a sack lunch and a bag of candy. No fall festival is complete without candy!

We were told by one of the parents that this work is “making a difference”. The real difference occurs not because of the games or face painting or candy but because we choose to invest in the lives of one another and the result is life change for everyone involved. Never doubt that the smallest thing you do will change the life of a child or adult for a lifetime. I am honored and blessed to serve with Mission:Change and to work alongside our absolutely amazing group of volunteers.

I believe we can “Change The World From Our Backyard!”

Written by David Blackwell.  Blackwell is mission project coordinator for Mission:Change.