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Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly.
Director: (614) 488-0681 ext. 106
Manager: (614) 488-0681 ext. 203
hearttoheart@FCchurch.com
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Tuesdays 9am to 12pm
Thursdays 9am to 12pm
First Community South
1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
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Volunteer of the Month

Mar 04
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: March 2026

By Volunteer No Comments

Congratulations Bella!

From Bella:

I first started volunteering at Heart to Heart in fifth grade, when my teacher would bring us once a month to help unload the delivery truck. In August of 2025, I began going to Crossroads, and when I heard about the chance to volunteer again, I was very excited. I volunteer most Wednesdays, helping pack bags and restock shelves. Heart to Heart has always been a welcoming place and somewhere where I feel completely comfortable being myself. I look forward to Wednesdays every week, not only because I get to help out my community, but because I love getting to volunteer with the people at Heart to Heart. I’ve made some fantastic friends through volunteering, who I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

[Bella is pictured with Will Bertke, First Community Youth Ministry Program Coordinator]

Dec 23
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Volunteer of the Month: January 2026

By Volunteer

Way to go, Roop & Gavin!

From Yohan:

Roop and Gavin have been outstanding volunteers brought to us through our Semester of Service partnership at OSU. Roop tirelessly helped stock donations, shop, stock, and set up tables and traffic cones around Crane Welcome Center. Gavin gave us a new Shift Lead, still doing so beyond the obligated term, in addition to coming in clutch to help Roop out. We’re lucky to have them on our roster!

From Roop & Gavin:

Being named Volunteers of the Month is a privilege that drives us to do even more. We are dedicated to the fight against food insecurity, and we promise to continue serving our pantry and our patrons with the same passion that brought us here on day one.

Nov 01
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Volunteer of the Month: November 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations Courtney!

From Yohan:

Courtney joined us this summer, quickly becoming an all-star by putting a hand up to help lead the Drive-Thru, bringing new volunteers, and completing a variety of training opportunities. We are made better by her service, which is carried out with warmth and a self-deprecating desire to improve.

From Courtney:

Volunteering at Heart to Heart has been such a wonderful experience. I love the good feeling that comes from giving back to our community, especially during this time of greater need. When it seems like the world is in a darker place, I love coming to Heart to Heart to see us all coming together in a positive way. The volunteers are always so friendly and helpful, and I am so inspired by Yohan and his weekly newsletter messages. I also greatly enjoy the opportunities to speak to the folks who come through, hearing their stories, and hopefully sharing a smile or laugh to brighten each other’s day.

Over the summer, I also brought my two daughters along to volunteer with me. They loved helping out, and I know it made an important impact on their perspectives that will hopefully drive their ongoing desire to give back to the community. I have told others about Heart to Heart, as well, and hope to continue to bring friends and family going forward. It is such an amazing group of people doing vital work, and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you so much for this nomination!

Sep 30
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: October 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations Doug!

From Doug:

I am honored to receive this award. The opportunity to help others gets me out of bed in the morning. At the food pantry, I see plenty of courage, patience, and kindness on a daily basis. The experience is both humbling and moving.  Our volunteers provide plenty of smiles, laughter, and encouragement. The Spirit of God is infectious here, and it can be powerful. Like the parable of Jesus with the fish, everyone can be fed here.

I come away tired, but more complete and more whole. I hunger for this and am so very grateful. Thank you.

Aug 31
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: September 2025

By Volunteer

Way to go, Erin!

From Yohan:

Erin started volunteering this summer, quickly rising with enthusiasm to become a Shift Lead. She has been an instrumental part of conducting the symphony that is the opening shift of the Drive-Thru. Not only has Erin been a smooth operator, but so are the friends who have tagged along with her.

From Erin:

Volunteering at the food pantry has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Every smile, every thank you, and every moment of connection reminds me that giving my time is not just about serving meals — it’s about serving hope, dignity, and community. Being recognized as Volunteer of the Month is an honor, but the real reward is knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s day.

Aug 01
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: August 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations Carla!

From Carla:

“I volunteer, because I’m grateful for all the blessings that God has given me. I volunteer, because Jesus said, ‘Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’ (Matthew 25:45). I volunteer because members of the Pop-Up Pantry team are some of the dearest friends I’ve ever had. I receive more from Heart to Heart than I give. I am an advocate for feeding the hungry, because I know that our elected officials need to hear from us about the needs of our community. In the photo, I was part of a demonstration at the Ohio State House with pantry volunteers from all over Ohio, asking for full state funding of the food pantries. The paper plates symbolize empty plates and each contains a prayer.”

From Amy:

“Carla has led the Pop-Up Pantry with grace through a tough year.  A few PUPpers, including her intended co-leads Kathleen and Bobbie, faced serious health issues forcing them out of commission for weeks or even months this year. Carla took it all in stride, continuing to manage the many facets of PUP operations! It is a privilege to work alongside someone so kind, humble, and conscientious. I am endlessly impressed by her commitment to the cause- finding ways to advocate, attending rallies, and keeping everyone (including me) informed of opportunities for the same. You can see Carla wears her servant’s heart right there on the sleeve of her red tee.”

Jun 30
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: July 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations David!

From David:

I am truly honored to be chosen for volunteer of the month, especially when they are so many dedicated volunteers. It is a joy to work as a teammate with such loving caring people who are making a difference in other people’s lives.

I was once told by an Oglala Sioux Elder that the longest journey a person makes in life is from their head to their heart ❤️

The First Community Church’s Heart to Heart food pantry team truly exemplifies this saying! Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this loving community!

From Yohan:

David has been volunteering for quite a while, being a clutch member of Tuesday’s closing shifts. He has quite a journey to tell, from the to life among the Oglala Sioux to the present day. David’s camaraderie with  fellow volunteers has not gone unnoticed, always making an effort to get to know people and hear their stories.

May 30
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: June 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations Connie & Wilber!

From Yohan
This devoted duo are exemplars of generosity, giving much of their time so that neighbors can break bread and volunteers can feel joy during a moment of respite amid the hustle and bustle of pantry ops.

From Connie
Our family has lived near First Community Church for 53 years. I’ve shopped and volunteered at the Trading Post and taken part in Parent Growth classes. Our children attended the pre-school, and loved it. We’re members of Broad Street United Methodist, downtown. Twenty years ago, Elaine Disalvo arranged for me to collect leftover baked goods at the Giant Eagle to use at our church’s “Manna Cafe” dinner. We had extra, so I shared it with Heart to Heart. I also distribute baked goods to Friends of the Homeless, Broad Street Presbyterian Church’s food pantry, New Life, for their breakfast mission, the Fresh Market for All People, Pathways Club House, and the “Commonses” at Buckingham, Grant, Livingston, and Third.

I take our very friendly dog Wilber to visit at a nursing home. He discovered the Heart to Heart volunteers on our morning walks. He loves the petting, attention, and now treats he receives, and I appreciate the care with which they distribute the wide variety of food and other useful items. I’m glad to be a small part of Heart to Heart.

May 01
Love0

Volunteer of the Month: May 2025

By Volunteer

Congratulations Christy, Ashley, and Gracen!

This past season of Youth Ministry Shop & Stock volunteers included a trio of family members who consistently showed up over several months, bringing cheerful spirits and proactively going the extra mile during their shifts. The family that serves together grows together!

Christy says, “We love shopping and filling our carts on Wednesday evenings with food that is going to provide a family with many meals throughout the week. Life is hard in many ways, so when we can help provide food for a family, and help carry some of their burden and remind them that there are people out there who care for them, the feeling is overwhelming. We are so grateful for all that we have and when we can do something to help elevate others, then it is paid forward, as well as fills our souls. The people who volunteer at the food pantry are hard working, but also make it fun and we are so blessed to have gotten to know this community. We plan to continue to volunteer often to help ensure less families have to go hungry. “