My Time at Burrito Brigade

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My time at Burrito Brigade


I was in a rut. I was in Eugene not feeling myself. I had just graduated from a  2 year design program at Lane Community College, I was settling into my new position as an apparel designer for a nation wide hat manufacturer, things seemed like they should be going well. But I was in a rut. It was like I felt that I didn’t have much purpose. The days just sort of blended together and I couldn’t get over the feeling that life was passing me by. 


I started listening to a lot of motivational things on YouTube. Each of the self help guru types online helped a little in their own ways, but I noticed that they all seemed to have one consistent message, be grateful and give back. I had done some volunteer work before but never really because I wanted to. Either because I was dragged along or something that I needed to do for school but I’d never gone out of my way to give back to my community. 


I looked up places that I could volunteer around town and landed on Burrito Brigade. Burrito Brigade is an organization that uses donated food and supplies, along with volunteers, to make delicious vegan burritos for houseless people around the community. I had been a cook in my time before going back to school so I fit right in helping out around the kitchen. I would prep vegetables and roll burritos, I even would give demonstrations on proper knife skills. 


After the cook we would take carts around the neighborhood and hand out burritos. People were really appreciative. It is nice to give someone a hot meal. Most of the time we just approaced people and hooked them up with a burrito so it was a nice surprise for them as well. Good feelings all around. 


I volunteered every week for about 6 months. I really enjoyed my time there. It gave me a reason to feel like I was giving back. I was directly helping my direct community. Burrito Brigade is a really cool organization. I would recommend anyone looking for a way to give back and show gratitude, go and volunteer.


If you like cooking and helping houseless people consider volunteering for Burrito Brigade. You can find more information at their website here burritobrigade.org

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