Volunteer Spotlight: Sue

"I liken volunteering to putting fresh batteries into my life. I enjoy interacting with folks outside my usual circle of friends and learn something with every encounter … I am a better person, more grounded, less anxious and angry because I have the opportunity to serve others. It's a warm bowl of soup for my soul." 

Bagging gives Sue the opportunity for face to face contact with people of different backgrounds. "I love seeing a "regular" pick my line and those few minutes of sharing a smile and even an occasional hug." 

Left to right: Debbie, Sue, and Mark at the checkout stations

The mental health benefits are built from these little moments. A small gesture, seeing another human earnestly and wanting to connect, sharing a heart-warming smile. These moments stick with our volunteers and keep them coming back.

Sue explains that she also encounters familiarity in the role, which is a pleasant surprise. "We all volunteer for different reasons and in different capacities. I am continually surprised how many active or retired nurses are drawn to food banks. One day, the entire bagging area was ICU and ER nurses! Although I only see them Monday mornings, I feel I have a new circle of friends I count on to work together and have a bit of fun." 

There are new things we learn about ourselves in these roles. The time we spend volunteering simultaneously grounds us in who we know ourselves to be. They help us act on the values that are deep within our core. Acting on these values connects us deeper to our sense of purpose. It is the act of self-actualizing and it is an unparalleled feeling!