Volunteer

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!

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.

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.

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.”