Volunteer of the Month

Congrats, Bill!

“March is my one-year anniversary of volunteering at our Heart to Heart Food Pantry. Having retired at the end of 2023, I soon realized how much I missed being involved in the community and being around a team of people who are focused on a mission. I have been a member of First Community Church for thirty-six years and have had the good fortune of serving on a number of Boards, Committees and Councils during those years, all of which were very fulfilling. However, I can truly say that the opportunity to be part of the amazing Heart to Heart team and work alongside such wonderful colleagues is just what I was looking for!  It is always a joy to come to South Campus and jump in with the team knowing that we are graciously serving our neighbors in the Columbus Community and trying to make their days a bit better with our caring attitude and service.  I always feel uplifted when I finish a shift with Heart to Heart and am so grateful to have just spent quality time with such wonderful people.”

Congrats, Toni!

“I really enjoy volunteering at Heart to Heart. I appreciate the opportunity to help others and work alongside an amazing group of people. I like this quote from Margaret Mead: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ Thanks to everyone who makes Heart to Heart possible!”

Thank you, Omar & Eliana

“The opportunity to volunteer at Heart to Heart alongside an amazing team of volunteers was honestly one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve had. The shared sense of purpose and wanting to give back from everyone was truly inspiring to see and be a part of. The community reciprocated an unmatched kindness that made each person eager to come back and help each day. We are thankful to be part of this amazing team and cause, giving back to the community in a meaningful way. We hope to carry the significance of these past months with us into the future wherever we are.” 

Congratulations Anne!

“Volunteering at the Heart to Heart drive-thru pantry is rewarding and enjoyable. I’m grateful to work as part of a special team of volunteers to help provide food to families who are in need. We welcome our guests with kindness and respect, and we are met with appreciation.

It’s a good feeling to serve the community in a tangible way through the Heart to Heart ministry. Thanks to First Community, the staff, and all the volunteers for making the pantry possible.”

Mark

From Amy:

Katie nominated Mark for this honor, with enthusiastic support from me! She mentioned that Mark is always friendly and helpful, keeping his cool while problem-solving. Katie said, “He always goes the extra mile for the cause with a sunny disposition.  I feel lucky to work with him.” I completely agree and know he’ll help wherever he can.

Mark has volunteered for Heart to Heart in many ways over the years:

• Pre-COVID, when we had regular donations from Starbucks, he would do the weekly pickups and deliver to the food pantry
• In 2023, he helped Amy research the cargo van, determining needs and availability, working with several dealerships, and even helped negotiate the purchase!
• Mark recently volunteered to learn the MOFC ordering process, to serve as backup to our order coordinator, Mike Delphia. He is now regularly working with Mike to maintain the food pantry stock.
• Most often, you can find Mark volunteering with the Pop-Up Pantry, often driving to the sites in our van. Again, this year, he is working alongside Janice to organize a special Christmas project with the Pop-up Pantry.

You can find Mark volunteering at Heart to Heart most Wednesdays, wearing his trademark Indiana Jones hat. Who wore it better? His dedication to the work of Heart to Heart over the years is admirable and we are grateful for his continued service. ”

Michelle

From Yohan:

“I know [she] would prefer to never receive recognition, but the fact of the matter is that [she has] have helped feed thousands of families through the Shop & Stock shift during my time at Heart to Heart. [Michelle has] also been a trusted trainer of new shoppers. And there’s all the organizing [she] did to the mac & cheese and miscellaneous sections… which is heavy VotM energy.

Volunteers of the Month are not chosen lightly. They are people who stand out among the rest.”

From Michelle:

“I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of such a generous, welcoming community as evidenced week in and week out by the other volunteers, as well as the staff and the clients, of the Heart to Heart food pantry.  While I would like to be able to say that through volunteering I am able to give more than I receive, the truth is that what I give can never equal the joy and positive energy that I experience by being part of such a wonderful organization.”

Sarah

“Our family loves to volunteer together at Heart to Heart food pantry. We try to volunteer during winter and summer breaks. The best part is seeing the bags we helped pack getting passed out each week and feeling a sense of accomplishment for helping in some small way. We live very close to the pantry and my kids always know when it is food donation day, because the cars line up down the street. We are grateful to volunteer at a place that helps so many people.” 

Pat

“I know I can’t save the world, but in my part of the world I can make a difference. There is so much need in our community. That’s where my energy goes. I volunteer as much as I can and enjoy everything I do, or I wouldn’t do it. It’s my time to give back and serve. The amount of friends I have made through volunteering is amazing. I have made more friends since I turned 80 than I did my entire life. These friends are not just, ‘Hello, how’s it going?’ friends – they make a big difference in my life.” 

Pat is pictured here (left) with Marshall (right), a member of the First Community staff.