We are fortunate to have some of the best volunteers in the city! Every month it takes 40-50 people from the community, coming together to make and deliver food to San Franciscans all over the city. We sat down with two of these amazing people to ask them more about why they volunteer with us and why they keep coming back. Jim & Cady, our dynamic dishwashing sibling duo, have been coming to volunteer for just about a year and don’t always get noticed as they are outside in the courtyard, scrubbing giant pots and pans. Here’s what they had to say:
First off, what’s your favorite kind of burrito?
Jim: The California burrito. I hope I don’t upset too many San Franciscans by not claiming the Mission burrito, which is great, but it doesn’t have french fries.
Cady: Hmm this question feels like asking my mom who the favorite child is. But I do have to say that the breakfast burrito transcends just breakfast time – breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack – it’s always a good choice.
How did you first hear about volunteering with us?
C: Owe this to Jim for introducing me. Thanks bro!
J: I read the NPR piece on the Burrito Project and knew I had to volunteer.
How long have you been coming to volunteer?
J: Almost exactly a year now. I first volunteered June of last year.
C: Since September 2018. Looking forward to more to come!
What keeps you coming back?
C: I love the spirit of the Burrito Project team and volunteers. Even when I am stressed from work, volunteering at the Burrito Project always puts me in a good mood. Also, the burritos, of course. 🙂
J: The people and the burritos are fantastic! Food is such a simple yet powerful thing to share with others.
Do you volunteer with any other organizations in the area?
C: CREW SF (Commercial Real Estate Women San Francisco) – an organization dedicated to supporting women in the real estate industry. I am part of a couple of the committees that help run the organization and host philanthropic events.
J: I contribute to an open-source project, OpenTransit, at the Code for San Francisco meetup, but I’m looking for more opportunities as well, especially around criminal justice.
What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in helping their community?
J: There are tons of organizations looking for all kinds of help. Start with something that’s convenient. I think once you see the impact you can have, it’s difficult to stop.
C: There are so many welcoming organizations that need help. It can be a fun experience to go with friends, family, or coworkers. Volunteering doesn’t manifest big, sweeping change overnight, but it is the little efforts that build up to something great. So just get started somewhere, no matter how inconsequential the help may seem, because I am sure it will be appreciated.
Are you interested in volunteering?
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