[dropcap]2[/dropcap]7-year-old Starr Greenfield is a Los Angeles native who graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Science and a Master Degree in Public Administration.
Recently Starr got engaged to her long-time boyfriend who proposed to her the night of her graduation party. In the midst of all the wonderful things happening for her, she still finds time to think about others, especially those who are less fortunate in Los Angeles.
Her love for God and her faith led her to starting Favor Friday’s and this weekend Starr, along with some friends/family and her soon to be husband, delivered 300 sandwiches and water to homeless folks living in the Los Angeles area.
Where did you deliver food, how many people helped and what was the experience like?
“My first Favor Friday was a true success. It felt amazing to first of all fellowship with those individuals that assisted me in prepping the lunch bags (Taisha, Rekerra, Lashawnae, Dy’mond) and then fellowshipping with those that assisted me in driving around L.A and passing out the lunch bags (DeJee, Deja, Kris, Lauron, Alison, Azja, and Mama Wendy). We were able to make 300 bags to feed 300 people. We drove up Broadway and fed those along the way. We then made our way to skid row where we finished off.
It was especially gratifying to see first hand all the beautiful souls that were touched and fed during this experience. It was exactly what I envisioned and more. It made me feel full but it also made me want to push harder to continue my new mission.
What made you want to start Favor Fridays?
“I honestly woke up one morning and wanted to do the work of God and made up my mind that I would get to it. I went to work, wrote down my ideas and came up with the name, “Favor Friday’s.” I decided to use this name because I would be using my Friday’s that I am off from work, to show Favor unto others as God does unto us everyday. I’ve always had it on my heart to serve and help others in my community, I just never knew how. But I woke up on August 3 and I heard God tell me do what I could, even if it was the simplest thing of feeding the less fortunate, so that’s what I did.”
I’m just so blessed through Christ Jesus and I just simply wanted to bless others. I wanted to love on others and have them experience love and compassion. Man, I just love, Love and that’s my main goal is to spread LOVE in any way that I can.
How did you prepare and gather the needed food/supplies?
“Well, originally I was only planning to use my own money and resources to prepare lunch bags. However, I decided to share my vision through my Instagram account and God did the rest! I received so much love and support from my IG followers; from monetary donations through cash app to donations of food supplies for the lunch bags. Together, we raised about $400 which helped me buy food supplies which included sandwich meat, sliced cheese, bread, mayo, mustard, chips, cookies, water, paper bags and sandwich bags.”
I also received donations in the form of food products and hygiene care packages to pass out as well.
What do you want readers to know about you as an individual?
“I like fellowshipping and sharing positivity whether through my social media outlets or in person to create love. I love thrifting and enjoy dressing and styling myself. I usually go out just to dress up. I love a good brunch and food makes me dance, lol. I enjoy traveling every time I get the chance because it expands my mind and fills me with humility when I am able to see and experience what God has created so gracefully around us.
I am motivated by God and My Mother. I’m motivated by God because he’s been my father figure. He’s guided me through trials and triumphs and taught me so many lessons I would not have grasped with out his presence. He’s taught me how to love. I’m motivated by my Mother because she’s taught me strength as a single mother. She’s never complained. She just does. No matter how hard it’s gotten, she’s remained un-bothered.”
Everything I do, is because of the works of God and my Mother. I want to repay God and My Mother for never forsaking and never allowing me to stray away from what I’ve been called to do, and that’s to be Me and illustrate the best representation of them.
What are your goals now that you are graduated?
“I am currently employed with L.A County’s Department of Public Social Services as an Eligibility Worker. Now that I’ve graduated with my Master Degree, I want to get into a leadership role with the county or city of L.A where I can spearhead change not only in the organization but within the community as well.”
Why is it important for you to help those who are less fortunate?
“This is important to me because my sole motivation is to spread love. To make my own difference within the community. As a kid, I’ve always said I wanted to “help people” but never really put that idea into action, so here I am finally putting in the action. I think it’s important for us to spread love through fellowship and what better way to help those in need.”
God blesses us everyday and the least we can do to pay him back is to love on others. We are all God’s children and we all deserve to be blessed and loved on.
