“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.”
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!
They quoted the Sermon on the Mount as their guide and said, “We serve Him by feeding the hungry (Matt 25:35-37).”
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!
“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.”
“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. Thank you, Heart to Heart.”
Our Volunteers of the Month are Tommy, Ben, and Andy! These brothers volunteer nearly every Wednesday evening during our Youth Ministry shift. They take time out of their busy weeknight schedules to fill grocery bags and stock the shelves. All three are speedy yet precise, ensuring each bag is properly filled and organized with care. Tommy, Ben, and Andy also serve on our Open Door Ministry Team and greet congregants and visitors on Sunday mornings. You may have seen them at the 11 am service on January 22 when they shoveled the front sidewalk non-stop during the snowstorm! Tommy, Ben, and Andy are beloved participants in our Youth Ministry and at Heart to Heart. Help us in thanking Tommy, Ben, and Andy for their service!
As a new resident of Columbus, I was eager to find a setting that would connect people with food. The idea that food is our common ground has led me to volunteer in various ways of food distribution. Before Columbus, you might have found me delivering mobile meals, cooking for seniors, or volunteering in the kitchen of an Alzheimer facility.
Heart to Heart Thursday’s drive thru is a highlight of my week. When I see all the healthy fruits, and vegetables that we distribute to our neighbors, I am thankful for the Heart to Heart volunteers who have worked tirelessly to load, deliver and pack before we begin the drive thru. I also appreciate the friendship of fellow volunteers who have welcomed a newcomer to this meaningful effort.
“I volunteer at Heart to Heart because I enjoy the interaction with those served. It is a pleasure to get to know individuals seeking our services. I also enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship among the volunteers.”
“Volunteering has always been something Noah, his older brother Ethan, and I have done together. Some family friends of ours were talking about Heart to Heart recently, and Noah needed some volunteer hours for Upper Arlington High School… so I thought it would be a great idea for us to sign up. Noah completed his required hours a while back but wanted to keep going. I have always enjoyed making a difference in other’s lives by helping and I am proud to know that Noah does too. We are glad to be involved with Heart to Heart and have fun doing it together!”
