When Francisco Castanon heard about the Mission in his documentary class at California State University, Northridge, he knew that he “had to be involved.” Volunteering at the Mission was a natural choice for him and his fraternity brothers at Lambda Chi Alpha. Francisco says that serving together, “helps us understand that, as a brotherhood, we stand for something that is bigger than all of us…love for our brothers and sisters.” Francisco enjoys volunteering and seeing the families genuinely happy and smiling as he and his group work together with them. He says it is unlike any other feeling in the world.
Each month Francisco and his fraternity brothers volunteer by preparing meals, serving dinner, and playing with the children at the Mission. Francisco’s fondest memory so far has been joining in Grandma Martha’s birthday celebration; “I remember we gave her a big plate with steak tacos, refried beans, chips, and salsa and her face lit up. I could tell she was very happy to be celebrating with everyone she loves at the Mission.”
When asked what advice he would give to others who are considering volunteering, he quickly went on to say, “Get involved! You truly create a difference in the lives of those at the Mission.”