We’re deeming Thursdays, #ThankfulThursdays around here and shining the spotlight on some of our amazing volunteers who go above and beyond to lend a helping hand in Palm Beach County. 🌟
Meet Sue! She is coming up on her 1 year anniversary with Volunteers of The Palm Beaches and her true passion for giving back is evident! She’s attended 22+ volunteer events this year, volunteering over 51 hours, and giving back over $1,200 in volunteer time to our local communities.
We recently asked Sue about volunteering. Here's what she had to say...
What does volunteering mean to you in 1 word: Heartening
What is your most memorable volunteer moment:
"Each event has its memorable moments, from interacting with young school kids in our community struggling with literacy, to understanding the extent of hunger in Palm Beach County and the importance of food waste recovery, especially notable and rewarding in our gleaning efforts at the farms in our area. Also memorable was the Thanksgiving meal prep event, which was so impressive and inspirational in its scope, organization and energetic atmosphere, with everyone working together for the common goal of bringing some holiday cheer and warmth to others.
Probably my most memorable time was Hurricane Dorian relief efforts with members of the Stuart Sailfish Club at the Stuart Jet Center and at Eagles Wings Foundation in West Palm. The spontaneous, huge outpouring of donations and people helping to organize relief efforts was so moving and inspirational. Literally hundreds of tons of supplies were processed and delivered in a very short period of time. I remember helping unload a an elderly couple's car with supplies they brought in for donation -- their happiness in being able to do their part shone in their eyes and sweet, shy smiles. Hearing of the devastation firsthand -- and the bureaucratic roadblocks from Bahamian gov't -- from some volunteers who had come back from the islands was truly heartbreaking and disturbing. Which made our efforts all the more important."
What drives you to volunteer with Volunteer of The Palm Beaches?
"When I retired I was looking for volunteer opportunities but became frustrated with the attempt -- didn't get calls back from some and then with others there was a weekly or other regular commitment for a period of time, which I could not guarantee.
When I found VPB on Meetup, I felt like I struck gold -- exactly what I was looking for: a wide variety of wonderful "giving back" opportunities that I could fit into my changing schedule. Feeling valued and welcomed by all involved was a bonus to the collective helping effort."
Thank YOU, Sue! We're grateful for you!