This month we sat down with Anna and Henry to find out why they volunteer. Anna and Henry have been volunteering with us for about a year and you will usually see them chopping vegetables or rolling burritos. Here’s what they had to say:
First off, what’s your favorite kind of burrito?
Anna & Henry: It’s carne asada with everything on it to be shared between us.
How did you first hear about volunteering with us?
A: I read an article about how the project came about on the NPR website and was glad that there is one in SF that we could participate in.
How long have you been coming to volunteer?
A & H: We’ve been coming for 5-6 times over a period of about a year.
What keeps you coming back?
A & H: Henry and I have volunteered in different programs over the years. It feels good to be able to give a little back to the community and the city we love so much. We are retired and have time on our hands, which comes in really handy. It also gives meaning to our lives.
As far as this project is concerned I think euthusiasm and the positive energy are key. In addition, we just love the idea of cooking healthy food and feeding people who need it, and the flexibility with the time commitment is a real plus. Also we enjoy the seamless coordination of the program. It’s a real joy to be a part of it. We always come away energized.
Do you volunteer with any other organizations in the area?
A & H: We also volunteer regularly in the Naturalization Workshops around the city partly sponsored by Self Help for the Elderly where we are able to utilize our bilingual skills to help needy families through the process of applying for naturalization.
What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in helping their community?
A & H: Just do it. Find something that appeals to you and plunge right in. You will be rewarded in more ways than one.