Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Jim

by hungerintervention | Oct 10, 2024 | Blog, Senior Community Meals, Volunteers | 0 comments

This month, we want to spotlight Jim, who has been one of our volunteer delivery drivers for Senior Meals! As a retiree, Jim explains the impact volunteering has had on him: “It puts me in touch with a wider cross-section of my community and gives me a broader view of society in general”. One of his memorable moments at HIP is interestingly connected with gaining a broader societal view. Describing this instance, he states:

“I have a 20-year-old Aston Martin, an exotic 2-seat sports car that gets driven on weekends and to car shows. The starter gave out on my truck and my wife was at work with our main car, so the Aston became a delivery vehicle. Not a function Aston Martin had in mind when it designed the car. It performed surprisingly well, but I felt pretty awkward delivering meals in a vehicle originally purchased by some very wealthy person at a price that, in 2004, still could have gotten you a house in Seattle. I keep thinking that the situation merits some sort of wry social commentary but I’m not sure what it is.”

Several issues that personally came to mind included systemic issues such as increasing wealth inequality, unaffordable housing, and food insecurity.

He further voiced his observations and belief system and expressed it as a fundamental human obligation to give to those who are less fortunate. Volunteering at HIP, he explains, is the one thing he can do to fulfill that obligation. Through a referral from Catholic Community Service, Jim has been with us since May 2023 and we couldn’t be happier for it!

Thank you for sticking with us Jim! We cannot express enough gratitude for your help with Senior Meals and the impact that you have on the community!

As the first spotlight of the year, we would like to highlight Nick and his immeasurable contribution to our Senior Community Meal program! Nick has helped with check-in for meal service for about 8 years.

Nick found out about HIP through Jerry Berger, one of the founders of HIP, at his local church. What began as a new volunteering experience became a routine part of Nick’s life as a retiree. “Volunteering keeps me busy and is one way for me to socialize.”

As a front-facing volunteer, Nick’s unique position allows him to engage with the people around him as well as observe budding relationships grow. He likes seeing “how seniors grow in their [inter]actions with each other.” and appreciates the camaraderie he sees between HIP staff and volunteers. He also found a physical benefit by getting in some exercise while putting up and taking down tables.

We hope his story will inspire others to volunteer in their communities. In his own words: “Yes I would recommend volunteering at HIP for those that have the time, are looking for a way to help the community, or just need something to do while looking for a job. They could be like me, retired and need to keep busy.”

As a pivotal part of the Senior Meals crew, we are so happy to see Nick’s familiar face every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you Nick for all that you do!