This is the first in a series of interviews with Kindness Activist volunteers. Without volunteers, our work would not be possible. We are so grateful for each and every person who gives of their time and talent so that kindness ripples can be spread!
First up – TERESA.
Teresa has helped with
many, many Kindness Activist events. She
joins the annual “elf brigade” and wraps many, many beautiful gifts for the
Santa Project. She helps out at all of
the fundraising sales (when she is in town, and she is always sad if a sale
happens when she is off exploring the world).
She knits beautiful hats for Project Warmth. And much more! But today, we are going to talk with her
about a very important volunteer role she holds at Kindness Activist – PANTRY CREW! She and I took time out from sorting
donations and sat down to have a conversation recently.
Teresa reminded me that
in the beginning, she worked with another very kind woman, Julia, to sort and
organize pantry donations. “We did a purge
of all of the expired foods. Then we
labeled the shelves and bins so that it was a little more orderly,” she
explained. “We marked on every single
box on the shelves the expiration dates.”
Flashback for me to
walking down to get food for the pantry after Teresa and Julia worked their
magic. It was so very organized – cans with
small white, hand written labels of expiration dates (because it is often hard
to read the labels stamped on the top/bottom).
This was back when we were just starting the Little Yellow Free Pantry,
and we did not have many guests yet. We
had signs up saying things like, “Need food?
Free groceries!” with a location of where to come. We had them translated into 4 or 5 languages
and hung them around on our fence and at nearby bus stops. It is funny to think about it now, but 3 ½ years
ago when the pantry started, I was afraid it wouldn’t take off and we wouldn’t
have enough guests. The task of
putting dates on cans is no longer needed since we go through donations so
quickly.
When things got busier,
the Pantry Crew was born and Teresa became a member. I asked her what she liked about volunteering
for Kindness Activist. “I like helping other people. There are many people who are food
insecure. Having a place where they can
come and select what they want is a wonderful thing for the
community. If I can help facilitate
that, I will.”
Like many kind humans, Teresa volunteers at several places. “I volunteer for Monday night distribution at two street corners near Arlington Mill. The food comes from Food for Others. Then I volunteer at the Clothesline for Arlington’s kids (a service that gives free good quality clothing to school age children). I go into the shop and help clients select clothing. I also knit hats and scarves for Clothesline, and I have also brought some over for Kindness Activist’s Project Warmth and given some to Casa Mariflor (a local organization that assists mostly Latinx community members and immigrants).”
The truth is, not many Americans take the time to help out like Teresa does. I asked her why she is willing to get involved so much with volunteering. “I’ve done it for many, many years. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in the ‘80s. So, I’ve been volunteering when I can for years! It’s a feel-good feeling for me.”
Ahhh, such a good point,
and one people who have not volunteered may not have experienced. Helping – volunteering - not only helps
others, it also makes YOU feel good. That
a bonus that can’t be overlooked.
“Have you met any pantry
guests?” I asked. “There is the Lentil
Man," she answered. "And just last week a man came who
was moving out. He brought all of these
packages of fancy beans and things from Whole Foods or Mom’s Organic Market.”
I posed a question that
other Pantry Crew members and I have mulled over – what is your favorite
thing to put in the pantry?
“Lately, the canned mango
slices look really good,” was Teresa’s answer.
“I am a vegetarian, but I put in a wide variety, including proteins, so
that people can choose.”
“I am thrilled that there are so many wonderful donors that keep the shelves full. That allows the Crew to keep the Pantry full. And I like the fact that there are birthday parties for the pantry. I make a point of donating goods at that time.”
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| Handmade birthday card given to the Little Yellow Free Pantry from a neighbor |
On a recent stop for Pantry Duty, Teresa found the bright yellow shelves completely bare. “There was not a lick – not even one CAN,” she said. “You think the vegetables won’t go, but they do eventually. When I used to volunteer at AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) I learned that canned corn is popular.” So true – canned corn is the most popular veg at the Little Yellow Free Pantry, too.
“I love to volunteer with your
activities because I love the concept of Kindness Activist. You and David are such amazing people. Helping in whatever way – you put out a call –
if I am free, I’m coming because I want to spread kindness like you. It’s a ripple!”
And with that, Teresa and
I got into a “You’re amazing,” feud. “You’re
amazing!” “No, YOU’RE amazing!!”
“Well,
you allow me to be amazing. Because of
your activities. I wouldn’t be as
amazing if I didn’t have all of these different options available to me.”
Thank
you, amazing Teresa. Your support and
gift of time help Kindness Activist thrive.
We appreciate you!
If you would like to
volunteer with Kindness Activist, please get in touch. Email us at:
KindnessActivist@Gmail.com
. We are often looking for volunteers
for various projects (though the Pantry Crew is full at the moment 😊 ).
And if you would like to
help out by donating to the Little Yellow Free Pantry, the Amazon Wishlist can
be found here: Kindness Activist Pantry Wishlist . If you are local to
the DC Metro and would like to drop off pantry items (shelf stable, unopened,
unexpired food and/or full sized unopened unexpired toiletries), please do not
put them directly in the pantry.
Instead, leave them in the plastic donation bin on our front porch. Email for the address if needed.
