We recently had the opportunity to gain some insight from Adelle and JT, two of our volunteers for our Clothesline for Men program. Read on to learn more about what initially got them involved with FOTP/CMC, what their time volunteering has meant to them, and what keeps them coming back.
Q: What is your name, and what do you do?
Adelle: My name is Adelle, and I am a senior English & philosophy double major with a concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies at The University of Scranton.
JT: My name is John (JT), and I am a senior, pre-med, neuroscience/philosophy double major at the University of Scranton.
Q: How long have you been volunteering with us?
Adelle: I have been volunteering with FOTP/CMC since my sophomore year of college!
JT: I’ve been volunteering since the spring semester of 2024.
Q: What initially inspired you to get involved with FOTP/CMC?
Adelle: I found an ad in our volunteering weekly newsletter for Clothesline for Men, and it seemed like a very wholesome, beneficial program; I knew I would be directly helping people.
JT: I was drawn to Clothesline for Men because I wanted to be part of something that directly helps people in a tangible way. The idea of providing clothing to men who need it for job interviews, work, or daily life really stood out to me, because it’s such a practical way to restore dignity and opportunity.
Q: What does volunteering mean to you personally?
Adelle: Volunteering means giving back. I think as a student at a private university, I am more privileged than others. I want to help people reach their potential and realize that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.
JT: Volunteering, to me, is about stepping outside of my own routine and intentionally choosing to serve others. It’s a reminder that my time and effort can be used for something bigger than myself, and that even small contributions can matter.
Q: What has been the most impactful moment you’ve experienced while volunteering with us?
Adelle: I volunteered for the Thanksgiving Community Program with FOTP/CMC my sophomore year, where I spent the day packing and delivering meals to those in low-income areas in Scranton. When my friend and I were dropping off one of the packages, a teenage boy answered the door—he was home alone. He said he didn’t want the food; in fact, he said he didn’t need it. He urged us to go. He was clearly embarrassed. That really struck me. A big problem in low-income areas is the stigma surrounding poverty: this idea that these people did this to themselves, and they need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.”
JT: One of the most impactful moments has been seeing how grateful people are for something as simple as a clean, well-fitting outfit. It really puts into perspective how much of a difference
small acts of service can make in someone’s confidence and outlook.
Q: How have you seen the work of FOTP/CMC make a difference?
Adelle: I saw it make a difference while giving families their Thanksgiving food. Providing people with that food isn’t just what it seems—it also provides them with the opportunity to make a memory, something their family will remember. I don’t really get to see the effects at Clothesline because I don’t deal directly with the men receiving the clothes, but I hear good things.
JT: I’ve seen how the organization creates a sense of stability and support for people who may not have many resources. Beyond the clothing itself, it shows people that their community hasn’t
forgotten about them, which can be just as important.
Q: What skills or lessons have you gained through volunteering with us?
Adelle: I have definitely learned effective ways to help those in need.
JT: I’ve learned the importance of patience, communication, and empathy. Volunteering has also helped me better understand the challenges others face and reminded me not to take everyday
things for granted.
Q: What keeps you coming back?
Adelle: The people and the impact. Ann and Ingrid are wonderful people, and I love volunteering alongside them.
JT: What keeps me coming back is the sense of connection I’ve found through volunteering, including the relationships with the people we serve and the other volunteers. It’s not just about the work itself, but about being part of a community that genuinely cares and shows up for others.
Q: What’s one word you’d use to describe your volunteer experience?
Adelle: Inspiring.
JT: Fulfilling.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering, but hasn’t taken the first step?
Adelle: It will change your life for the better.
JT: I’d say just go for it. You don’t need special skills to make a difference, just a willingness to help. Once you start, you’ll realize how meaningful it is, not just for others, but for yourself as well.
Interested in volunteering with us, just like Adelle and JT have? View our latest volunteer opportunities here → https://events.civicchamps.com/organizations/2966/calendar/month If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Ann, our Manager of Volunteers and Outreach, at (570) 892-8038.