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Volunteers describe schedule, donations and emotional toll of weekly meals program
Summary
Volunteers and presenters for My Hand to Yours outlined a regular schedule of shopping and food prep, described the emotional challenges of serving people in crisis and said recognition from a nomination has helped sustain volunteer energy.
Volunteers outlined the program's weekly rhythm: shopping on Thursday, food prep on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, then delivery on Monday. One participant said residents from their building and ward volunteer for the effort and described how the work can be physically and emotionally difficult: "It's hard for Janet. It's hard for Bert to keep the pace up. But then you just realize that the people are counting on you."
Speakers said community gratitude reinforces the effort, recounting recipients' "thank yous" and "I'm grateful and God bless you." The group said the award nomination gives volunteers extra motivation to continue the work: "Being nominated for this award really is is priceless. It it give us a other extra motivation every Monday." They closed by urging kindness and encouraging others to "pay it forward."
