By Aanuoluwapo Adekanbi

I find myself reflecting on one of the most fulfilling parts of the year: volunteering. In 2024, I said yes to showing up, giving back, and being part of something bigger than myself. One of the most memorable experiences for me was participating in a food distribution outreach organized by the Femi Olutoye Foundation in the Obaagun community.

The Femi Olutoye Foundation is well known for providing free medical and health outreaches across underserved communities. However, this outreach was a bit different. It focused on food, recognizing it as a vital component of community health and wellbeing.

Volunteering at this outreach reminded me that impact does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is a bag of rice, a kind word, and a willing heart. From the moment we arrived in Obaagun, there was a sense of purpose and warmth. The community elders welcomed us, and the outreach began with a short presentation about the foundation’s mission to promote good health and fight hunger.

I was especially inspired by Iyanuoluwa Adekanmbi’s message during the event. She encouraged the community to explore backyard farming as a sustainable solution to food insecurity. She spoke passionately about how food is directly tied to health and how a simple garden could help a family remain nourished and self-reliant. Her message planted a seed of hope not just in the community but in me as well.

Each beneficiary received a food package that included rice, groundnut oil, tomato paste, seasoning, and salt. The distribution process was smooth and respectful, and the joy on the faces of the people receiving the items was absolutely heartwarming. I still remember the gratitude in the voice of an elderly woman who said, “This will help me feed my family this Christmas.” That single sentence made every minute of volunteering worth it.

What stood out to me most was how even the smallest acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact. This was not just about giving food. It was about showing people that they matter and are not forgotten. It was about dignity, compassion, and community.

Volunteering with the Femi Olutoye Foundation has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year. It gave me the chance to serve, to connect, and to grow. I am grateful for the opportunity and proud to have been part of a team committed to transforming lives and building healthy communities.

I carry this experience with me as a reminder that purpose is found in service and that one small act of love can brighten someone’s entire season.