SVdP Georgia’s month of April Volunteer Spotlight
SUSAN SHARFMAN
How did you get involved with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia?
I was looking for a charity I could support in my community. I know that food insecurity is a major problem and I wanted to do something that I thought could help me or my neighbors if we were in need. I was very impressed with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and I am proud to work in their food pantry.
What’s your favorite part of volunteering with us?
I really enjoy working on Wednesday mornings when we pack up food for those who cannot come into the pantry and shop. During the pandemic, it can be very hard for some to leave their homes. It is rewarding to know that they are being served as well.
What keeps you coming back to volunteer?
I enjoy working with the Food Pantry Manager, Josephine, and all the other volunteers that help out in the pantry – especially the high school and college students. I feel like I am making a difference!
Josiah Thule
How did you get involved with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia?
I grew up in the Chamblee community and have always been aware of the incredible impact SVdP Georgia makes through its services. My mother told me about the opportunities available at the Chamblee-Tucker location after volunteering to help with the delivery of food to members of the community who didn’t have access to transportation and thus needed the food brought to them.
What’s your favorite part of volunteering with us?
I have two favorite things about volunteering with SVdP Georgia’s food pantry. I enjoy the culture that SVdP has at the Chamblee-Tucker facility. Every employee I have worked with is incredibly friendly, inviting, and truly committed to the company mission of respecting the dignity of each individual, and working towards helping their clients achieve stability. Second, the conversations I have had with clients shopping at the food pantry have made my day on multiple occasions. Hearing their individual stories, I realize the impact we are making on a person-to-person basis. I see renewed hope in many of the people I get to serve, and that gives me hope in return.
What keeps you coming back to volunteer?
I really enjoy seeing the benefits that the food pantry offers to its surrounding areas. Anyone is able to walk in the front door and choose what they would like to take home with them. This seemingly small activity (picking up food) makes a huge difference in the lives of our vulnerable brothers and sisters. Knowing that SVdP Georgia is a resource utilized by the community makes it incredibly rewarding to be able to volunteer my time. Food insecurity is not a new problem, nor is it something that can be fixed in a few short weeks. I keep coming back because there is always more work to be done, and I take pride in the part I am able to play in uplifting my community.
