Melanie was our June 2024 volunteer spotlight! She is a newer volunteer with HIP’s Shelter Meal program and found HIP by searching for volunteer opportunities near her. As she narrowed it down she felt HIP was the right place to be.

She started volunteering with our shelter meals program and she says that it has made a lasting impression on her. During this first shift she was apprehensive about how meal prep would go in a big kitchen, but chef Rachel met her at the door and gave a quick and clear introduction to what food prep would be like. As Melanie started conversing with other volunteers and chef Alyssa, she started feeling comfortable and at home!

“Giving back to the community in some way has always been important to me. I feel that I probably gain as much or more from the experience as those I am helping. Currently, there are so many horrible, scary things happening worldwide that it can be difficult to find a bright spot. I find that working towards improving something I am passionate about is uplifting and gives me a sense of purpose.” Melanie said.

Being retired, Melanie finds time to fit volunteering into her new rhythm of life. Adding to the volunteer work at HIP, She is doing additional spring volunteering with Bird Connect Seattle to track window collisions by learning more about them and preventing collisions in the future.

Thank you Melanie for all your current and future help!