It's Really Needed

A few Wednesdays ago I went back to the Harvest Food Pantry and Clothes Close in Evanston to volunteer.
I left my house at 4:50ish, but because of the terrible traffic, once again arrived at 6. I was greeted by the same leader, Pete. Sadly, he didn't recognize me, but that's understandable since there are so many changing volunteers every week.

There was an abundance of volunteers that day, so I wasn't needed at a certain station. But because of this abundance I was able to shadow regular volunteers at a couple of different stations. First, I started at the bagging area. Here, I shadowed Ana, a full time nurse who volunteers here every other week. I was told to put one jug of juice, one can of corn, one can of fruit, and one can of sloppy joe meat. I asked her where they get all the food--if the church supplies it. She said it's major brands donating their oversupply of food. For example, whole foods, target and panera are consistent donaters.

Next I followed someone in the line station. These people hold the bags of food for the people. I was amazed at how familiar the line volunteers were with the "customers". They were on a first name basis and treated them with so much respect. "Apple juice or Orange juice" "We have 3 choices of meat today...chicken breasts, hamburger patties, or ribs" It really felt like a personal grocery shopping assistant escorting all these people.

The night was busy, but not as busy as last week. Pete told me that the week before, they reached the highest number of families in one day:200. After there were no more families left, all the volunteers ate some leftover sweets with leftover milk (since these items spoil).

When I came home it was around 9pm. I was exhausted and not in the mood to do homework. But, something one "customer" said to me stuck. She said that volunteers are really needed and all the people who come here know and are grateful to them. Yes, at that time I didn't really feel like I was helping out much. Bagging a couple items, folding a couple clothes doesn't seem like a big deal. But volunteers are really needed. The interesting thing is, many regular volunteers used to be customers. They know what it's like to be in both positions and they know how a little help can go a long way. Because it really doses make a difference, it really is needed.