Celebrating National Volunteer Week: Rachel
Tell us about yourself.
I’m an elementary school teacher in Farmington Hills. I volunteer with two of my friends from Northridge Church.
What has it been like to help The Salvation Army during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It has been extremely rewarding, especially because I see the need in my community for The Salvation Army’s help. After my first time volunteering in the warehouse, a friend of mine said she was going to her local high school because they were giving out food. Later that day, my friend shared a picture of cars lined up as far as the eye could see at the high school. When I saw that, it hit me just how many struggling people there are with families to feed. It’s rewarding to know there’s something I can do to help people provide for their families.
Why do you volunteer for The Salvation Army?
I was a teenage single mom for a long time, so I know what it means to struggle. I was always stressed about having enough money to meet all the basic needs. I’ll never forget the feeling of the possibility that I may not have enough to put food on the table for my child. No one should have to feel like that.
How do you feel after volunteering?
This past week, I was in my back yard when I got the call to volunteer again – this will be the third time I am volunteering with The Salvation Army during the COVID-19 crisis. I left to go out for a run, and I passed by a high school that was giving food away. I saw the big pallets of food stacked up and it reminded me of The Salvation Army. There was a line of cars a mile long at the high school, and I instantly became emotional when I thought about all those people in need. I decided that whatever was on my schedule, I was going to volunteer no matter what.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering for The Salvation Army?
I don’t think a person ever regrets giving. I never hear a person say, “I wish I never gave” or “I wish I never volunteered”. In light of the situation, fear may keep people from volunteering. But The Salvation Army is taking steps to keep everyone safe. Volunteers should know that ahead of time.
Rachel volunteers to offer relief to so many during these trying times. Thank you for your support! We cannot do this alone. We invite you to find our more if you are interested in volunteering with us.