What motivates us to help others? It was a cold and brisk Saturday morning on November 9th, 2013 as my brother and I congregated around a group of JP Morgan employees in Iselin, New Jersey. There were 50 volunteers total and instructions were given upon entering the bus to drive down to Union Beach, New Jersey where Hurricane Sandy had left the coast line in ruins. The destruction was catastrophic throughout the state and countless residents were left in dire situations. Upon entering the town of Union Beach, New Jersey a look of terror came over my face as we drove through various neighborhoods to rendezvous at the community center. The power of Hurricane Sandy was unprecedented and through the bus window it seemed as if a war had taken…show more content… I started engaging in conversation with other volunteers as they explained to me what they’ve been up against the last few days working around the clock to provide shelter, food, water, and clothing for residents. I took the initiative and started to move around heavier boxes of food and cases of water to make more readily available for those in need. I felt a sense of purpose and gratification being down there on that November morning and the rest of the day was even more…show more content… There was a strong sense of community during those moments which put a smile on many faces. It’s these particular moments that provide a strong sense of gratitude, gratification, community, and helping others in need. The camaraderie amongst everybody kept spirits alive while volunteers were either repeatedly swinging sledge hammers through various walls in homes, rehabbing, and cleaning up throughout the various properties. Every person took turns performing various duties which allowed for people to take a break for a few minutes, drink, or eat. It was a physically demanding day as there was a great deal of debris, furniture, and other objects move throughout various homes. It was the drive, and motivation to assist all these people that kept us working vigorously throughout the course of the
