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Volunteer of the Month: December 2023

By Volunteer

Maria Glaros & Colin Appell

We started volunteering at Heart to Heart through Ohio State’s Semester of Service program to connect more with the Columbus community. Though we have only been here a few short months, this opportunity has not only allowed us to gain a priceless experience but has also taught us invaluable lessons. The entire Heart to Heart community welcomed us ecstatically and quickly brought us in to their family consisting of staff, other volunteers, and the entirety of those who are served through this gracious mission. The time spent at Heart to Heart each week was time to look forward to. Connecting with others from different walks of life outside of our own university, that we have the privilege to attend, was refreshing and granted us a chance to view life from a new perspective. We would like to thank Yohan, Amy, all other volunteers, and the entire Heart to Heart community for guiding us through this inspiring and gratifying experience with an abundance of kindness.

Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: November 2023

By Volunteer

Drew Poling

Every time that I volunteer at Heart to Heart I feel more connected with myself, other volunteers, the Heart to Heart staff, and my community. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to give back and support my community in such a welcoming and joyous space. Many aspects of my life are placed hectically upon each other and feel very chaotic, but volunteering at Heart to Heart helps to keep me grounded and in the moment. Connecting and developing relationships with others through volunteering is wonderful and any chance that I have to serve at Heart to Heart is an opportunity that I will anticipate with happiness.

Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: October 2023

By Volunteer

Tim O’Hanlan

I am always impressed by the grace and dignity of our customers as they face hard times and have the courage to accept our help for the sake of their families. For me, volunteering at the pantry is a humbling experience that allows me to experience our common humanity. What a gift that is! People sometimes ask, “How did you of all people become Volunteer of the Month? I’m somewhat surprised that you haven’t been kicked out.” Relentless campaigning and insincere flattery probably helped. Upon reflection, though, the single most important factor is that I was the only person on my All-Star Pantry Team who had not been awarded Volunteer of the Month. As the emerging “class clown” on my team, I bring out the best in my teammates by constantly trying their patience and making their volunteer responsibilities that much more difficult to complete. No wonder I am Volunteer of the Month. Thank you, Yohan. You could have nominated the dangerous and unwieldy red cart instead.

 

Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: September 2023

By Volunteer

Nicholas Ubert

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Heart to Heart. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people who always put a smile on my face. Helping others is a rewarding experience and something I’m extremely grateful for. I will never forget the kindness among all the people I met through volunteering at Heart to Heart. One thing I learned from volunteering at Heart to Heart is: kindness costs nothing, but means everything.”

 

 

Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: August 2023

By Volunteer

Ashley Roden

 

“Volunteering at Heart to Heart has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community. I have met many incredible people through Heart to Heart that never fail to brighten my day. Putting a smile on the faces of those who we serve is something I will cherish forever.”

 

 

Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: July 2023

By Volunteer

Dougherty Family

Pictured above: Matt, Crystal, Riley and Alyssa Dougherty

 

We started volunteering at Heart to Heart approximately a year ago. We’ve always been passionate about helping people with food insecurity, but it was difficult to find somewhere where our entire family could volunteer.

Heart to Heart’s Shop & Stock program was the perfect match for our family. Our two children, Alyssa and Riley, loved being able to “grocery shop” on their own, and we enjoyed working with a mixture of new people and core volunteers. We also enjoyed the flexibility of picking our volunteer shifts so it didn’t impact other family obligations.

In a few weeks, we’re moving to Florida, so unfortunately, we won’t be able to continue volunteering at Heart to Heart, but we encourage anyone who wants to help those in need to volunteer at Stock & Shop!

Volunteer of the Month: May 2023

By Volunteer
Volunteer of the Month

Janelle Soder and Alissa Marwaha

We’ve been friends for over 10 years, since our oldest kids were in preschool. For a while, the time we spent together often consisted of playdates with the 5 boys we have between us. But through the years, we’ve found more time to nurture our friendship through our shared love of reading, travel, and Broadway shows. Now that our kids are getting older, we have more regular free time, and volunteering at Heart to Heart is the perfect way for us to keep in touch while serving our community. It’s also been great getting to know Yohan and the other volunteers at the pantry. Sometimes our kids have the chance to join us for shifts, too — bringing our “playdates” full circle!

Volunteer of the Month: April 2023

By Volunteer
Volunteer of the Month

Brent and Susan Davis

“Brent and I have recently retired and were looking for a way to give back to the community. We love volunteering with Heart to Heart food pantry.  It is so much fun to meet new people and know that we are providing nutritious food for their families.  Everyone has a story and their smiles fill all our hearts with joy.  Volunteering at Heart to Heart is the highlight of our week and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

Volunteer of the Month: March 2023

By Volunteer
Volunteer of the Month

Samantha Miller

“My mom introduced me to volunteering at our local food bank in Toronto, Ontario when I was 13. That experience taught me to always look for a way to give back and how one person can make a small difference in someone’s life with kindness.

Volunteering has always been something that brought a lot of joy to my life. Joining the Heart to Heart Thursday Drive-Thru closing shift team has been a true pleasure. Everyone I have worked with has been nothing but wonderful and I love that I get to work side by side each week with my new buddy, Pat Porterfield. Thank you, Heart to Heart.”