We had the chance to chat with Mia, a volunteer at our Jackson Terrace pantry, about what volunteerism means to her and how her experience has allowed her to learn new things and gain new perspectives. Q: What is your name, and what do you do? (college, major, career, etc.) A: My name is Mia, and I’m a stay at home mom. Q: How long have you been volunteering with us? A: I started volunteering in the beginning of April. Q: What initially inspired you to get involved with FOTP/CMC? A: I chose to spend my time with FOTP because I really enjoy helping people and wanted to be apart of something. Everyone at the Jackson Terrace food pantry was SO welcoming, nice and supportive, along with the people who patron there. Q: What does volunteering mean to you personally? A: Volunteering to me is lending a helping hand to people who need it the most, or even the ones who don’t want to ask. It’s opening up your mind to another part of the world that may not be so familiar with if you’ve never had to go through it. Q: What has been the most impactful moment you've experienced while volunteering with us? A: My most impactful moments with FOTP are the friendships and relationships you make. Q: How have you seen the work of FOTP/CMC make a difference? A: It was seeing someone smile because one less worry is taken off their plate for the day. It was knowing people were going to go to bed with a full belly. Q: What skills or lessons have you gained through volunteering with us? A: The pantry has also taught me so much in terms of just talking to people and learning about their lives, it’s taught me Spanish phrases and words I would’ve never learned on my own. It taught to me never judge someone unless I’ve been in their shoes before. Q: What keeps you coming back? A: I go back because it truly makes me feel full inside knowing a couple hours a day helps feed the over 100+ families that come in a day. What better feeling is there? Q: How would you describe your volunteer experience? A: My experience exceeded all expectations, and it never felt like work. It just felt like a bunch of people helping each other with what they have. Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about volunteering but hasn't taken the first step yet? A: If you’re thinking about volunteering, just do it! Don’t overthink it, just sign up and show up. You won’t regret it and you will learn a lot. You’ll also be welcomed with smiling faces and the best people around!
