Volunteer of the Month

One of the reasons I was drawn to First Community as a church home was their emphasis on modeling faith through service and strong community engagement. After becoming a member in 2020, I was looking for ways to get more involved and began volunteering at Heart to Heart in late summer 2021. I have greatly enjoyed connecting with other First Community members and regular clients during my Thursday shifts at the pantry drive-thru. Everyone showed such patience and kindness while I was learning the ropes and, thanks to Yohan’s calm and steady leadership, continues to create a warm and positive atmosphere for both the volunteers and the clients we are assisting. Volunteering at Heart to Heart is the perfect way to live out First’ Community’s mission of demonstrating unconditional love through caring action!

I was compelled to start volunteering at Heart to Heart in the midst of the COVID Pandemic because I knew it was one of the most important ways to provide immediate relief to those in need.

I began in August 2020 by packing dry goods bags every Monday afternoon. I truly looked forward to my weekly Monday shift and met some other wonderful volunteers. As Yohan joined the team, I became more impressed with the Heart to Heart mission and became interested in helping out even more – especially on the drive-thru days where I could engage with our neighbors. So I joined the Tuesday drive-thru pantry volunteer team. I have loved working with these dedicated volunteers, learning the different roles at the drive-thru, and most of all getting to engage with our neighbors with a smile and positive word.

Heart to Heart has been an unexpected blessing in my life…. great people and a tremendous mission! The sign in the back of the pantry inspires me each week with the Charles Dickens quote, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

Prior to this year, I had volunteered to assist at Heart to Heart assembling shelves in the basement of the annex to be used to store canned foods.  I knew little what Heart to Heart was all about.  Having recently retired, I answered a call for assistance in February of this year.  Through continued volunteering I have made friendships with the other volunteers; however, what is most rewarding for me is experiencing the gratitude from the patrons that frequent Heart to Heart.  They are truly most thankful for its presence and for that I am also thankful.

God gave one commandment: TO LOVE. At Heart to Heart, God’s loving compassion is in action, beyond the pews, through the passionate hearts and earnest muscle of volunteers. I get to be a part of God’s love when I help our neighbors at Heart to Heart.

I have been volunteering in Heart to Heart for about two months now. I am trying to come every Tuesday and Thursday, staying as long as I can. It’s a great pleasure that I get to serve others. I enjoy being here with all these great people.

I have volunteered at Heart to Heart for about three years, and during the summer I try to volunteer three to four times a week. I enjoy serving the clients, getting to know the volunteers and behind-the-scenes jobs like Stocking.

Everyone say hello to Mr. Nugget! Annie is June’s Volunteer of the Month. She’s crushed it at Heart to Heart and will soon crush grad school. Thanks for your service!

“I volunteer at Heart to Heart every Tuesday and Thursday I am able to. My availability changes but I try to schedule things around H2H because I really enjoy volunteering here. I started coming in August and I have not stopped. I enjoy it and love everyone here as well. I’m moving to Seattle in a couple of months and honestly coming to Heart to Heart will be the thing I miss the most. Everyone is so kind and it makes me happy being around people that are so warm-hearted (which includes our clients too)!”