Why did you choose to volunteer at Bread for Life?
A good friend of mine, Dave Donnelly, who was on the BFL Board of Directors asked me if I would like to be a member of the BFL Board of Directors. I could not at the time but when I could I let Dave know. It is a fantastic organization doing outstanding work.
What has been the best part of your volunteer experience?
Working with capable, motivated, and fun employees and volunteers who work at BFL. There are always big hearts, smiles, sometimes tears of joy, and immensely helpful people around all day.
What is your favorite memory from volunteering at Bread for Life?
Asking my Granddaughter if she would like to volunteer with me at Bread for Life. She enthusiastically said yes, and she volunteered with me every Wednesday she could all summer. She has continued to volunteer when she can during the school year. She threw herself into it, when she completed a task she would ask other volunteers if she could help them and often she never made it back to help me with my task. She has grown so much from this. I never had to tell her why she should volunteer to help others. She taught herself.
How has volunteering impacted your life?
I have volunteered for various organizations since I was eleven years old. I have been lucky enough to be able to continue volunteering throughout my life. I have always enjoyed using my abilities to help others make their way through life. The warm feeling I get when people thank me with their words or just a look, lasts a long time. Some I can remember from decades ago. I have met many good friends doing kind things. You find lots of well-meaning people when you volunteer.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Don’t think about it just do it. Make the time. Any time you can manage will be worth it.
It will be easy work because you will be smiling and joking as you work.