During my time in Malaysia, I volunteered at Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur which is a non-profit, volunteer-based soup kitchen service that operates every Sunday. The program offers free food and drinks to people who are experiencing homelessness or struggling to feed their families.

Dapur Jalanan’s Mission Statement is, “Food is the right of the children of all nations.” As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I could feel the warmth of the hearts of the people who started this organization. Their sole purpose is to give to others and help those who are in need on a consistent basis.

All of the volunteers (including myself) spent the early afternoon preparing and cooking all of the food. We then loaded up our cars and drove to Jalan Panggong, which is a street located under a hundred-year-old post office. We set up a table a table with food and served the community.

I was the only American volunteering that day but everyone was so welcoming and kind to me. One of the organizers even gave me a tour of the neighborhood after we finished serving and I met a group of high school kids who had to film them volunteering for a project. I also met these two girls (I forgot their names) but they took me to get food afterward which I thought was very thoughtful.

I really miss traveling, being on the road and hanging out with strangers. Once COVID-19 heals, I am going to hop on a plane and go back to Asia.

If you are ever in Kuala Lumpur, please spend one of your Sundays and volunteer with Dapur Jalanan – you can learn more on their Facebook page HERE.