Volunteer Spotlights:
Jackie A. and Pam T.

As Volunteer Appreciation Month continues, FeedMore WNY is honored to share testimonies from two of our volunteers, Jackie A. and Pam T., on why giving back to the community is so important to them.

Both Jackie and Pam volunteer to package the frozen meals prepared in our commissary to be delivered to some of our most vulnerable home-delivered meal clients so they have nourishing food during the weekends. Jackie and Pam are also frequent volunteers at one of our partner hunger-relief agencies, the West Seneca Food Pantry.

We are grateful for all that Jackie and Pam do to help alleviate food insecurity in Western New York!

Jackie A.’s Story

I am motivated to volunteer with FeedMore WNY for several reasons.

First, I have seen the need in our community and I want to help. I am very familiar with the role FeedMore WNY plays in helping those in need and want to help them continue their great work.

I have witnessed how seniors rely on community centers for a meal, [and] perhaps even more important, for socialization. The value of sharing a meal with others cannot be underestimated. A wholesome, delicious meal and conversation can certainly help all people feel emotionally and physically better.

Perhaps the biggest motivator was my personal experience. I had a brother who was developmentally disabled and lived in a supervised situation. He received meals at his home. These were very helpful because he was on a very limited budget. He loved those meals! Now, as I pack frozen meals, I am reminded of the joy my brother had with each one he received, and his comments such as, “oh look, meatloaf today!”

I love working with the other volunteers. Everyone is friendly. Karen, our team leader, is a superwoman. She organizes everything and leads the group through our tasks. She is the most welcoming and patient person I have ever met. You never worry about making a mistake, or slowing the process. Karen reassures you all is well and she exuberantly thanks you every time you help. She makes you feel wanted and that you have really contributed.

I believe it is important to volunteer in the community because we all need each other. These are our friends, our neighbors, our family. No one knows what another person is going through. All we can do is be there when folks need us. Things may be fine for me now, but someday I may need some help, and I hope people will be there for me. Right now, I am capable of helping; others are not, so all of us who can help should step up.

I volunteer at the West Seneca Food Pantry once a month. I see people come through the pantry and some are old and ill. Some are families with small children. They all need help. It is heartbreaking to see people who cannot afford to eat. As they travel through and choose food items, they are treated with respect and kindness. When they leave, they have some meals, have had some pleasant conversation and I hope in some small way, we have made their day a bit brighter.