SFP Volunteer Update – January, 2022
Hello! It has been a few weeks since my last update ~ I apologize for the delay. I will get right to the updates…
The New Year delivered the approval to open our indoor pantry space! The timing was perfect as winter brought in some blustery days. I am so thankful we were able to welcome our clients from within the indoor pantry instead of an outdoor distribution.
Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this milestone!
Feedback from our client families continues to be very positive. All are able to enjoy the slower pace of an indoor distribution, taking their time to choose wanted items and to interact with our loving volunteers.
Many hands and volunteer hours went into making this indoor pantry a reality. Special recognition to our Board who helped guide us through the renovation. Individually, I would like to recognize:
- Heather Kidde, who drove the financial side as well as decorated the space by choosing the floorings, paint and cabinetry.
- Shannon Donnellan, who maneuvered the waters of insurance, payment management and acted as a solid sounding board for ideas and change control.
- Volunteer, Kristen Guerrero, who used her professional skills as our architect to bring our visions into place. Side note, if you have ever listened to Susan and I bounce ideas around, you understand the tremendous effort this involved :). She pulled it all together and patiently modified and guided us to a warm, open, safe and functional pantry space.
- Pastor Will Reinmuth and Connie Traphagen who were extremely supportive and helped to balance the renovation work with the ongoing needs of Fellowship Hall patrons. Since our arrival in December, 2020, we have changed the dynamic of the Fellowship Hall. I feel blessed we found this gracious community with whom to link arms and serve.
And, last but never least, Susan Meyer. She led and drove the project, coordinating all parties and constantly ensuring the pieces were in place for this tremendous effort to succeed. She stepped into this additional project lead role with grace and kindness, kept everything moving and got us to where we are!
Client choice pantry now open!
Distributions
At this time, we plan to be open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday and four Wednesdays each month. This will vary based on holidays, so be sure to follow the dates on our website or on the sign-ups.
For March, we will have extra distribution days to make up for a shortened February. The dates will be 1, 2, 8, 9, 16, 22, 23 & 30. Our delivery dates will be March 8th & 21st.
Our volunteer needs have lightened a bit since we shifted away from drive-thrus. We will continue to tweak the logistics, so please be sure to check the sign-ups. Twice a month, we need strong folks to accept deliveries. I apologize if it is hard to find volunteer slots, but there may be other ways you can help.
For example, we are now able to accept packaged, unexpired foods. If you are so inclined, you could organize a drive. Feel free to reach out for the types of things we need, but for now, I would say hearty soup, meals in a can, coffee / tea, toiletries and personal hygiene items are the most needed.
Another benefit to being inside is the ability to welcome other support or informational groups for our client families. Since January, we have welcomed representatives from NY’s Project Hope to join us on an ongoing basis. Project Hope helps New Yorkers understand their reactions and emotions during COVID. Representatives have a table setup in our waiting space at various times where they provide program information to any persons in need.
If you have ideas or suggestions on ways to continue to improve our services, please let me know. I am so grateful for all the time and dedication you give to our community. Enjoy the Super Bowl!
Respectfully yours,
Joyce