Celebrating National Volunteer Week: Trisha
Tell us about yourself.
I’m finishing my first year at Saginaw Valley State University. I’m a social work major.
What has it been like to help The Salvation Army during the COVID-19 pandemic?
They are the only organization near me that is engaging with volunteers. I have loved the experience and atmosphere here!
Why do you volunteer for The Salvation Army?
I graduated high school with 383 total volunteer service hours. Volunteering is part of who I am. I’m not doing it because I have to; I really enjoy it. I have volunteered a lot, and I often end up doing administrative work, which is fine, but The Salvation Army has given me the opportunity to serve people directly.
How do you feel after volunteering?
I volunteer every Wednesday and Friday. We usually serve around 300 people. After my shift, I feel energized and happy, and I feel like a part of the community. When I get to The Salvation Army, everyone is so welcoming. When I first started, the work was a little overwhelming, but it’s been a good learning process. I like giving the food directly to the clients, where I get to see and get to know the people we are helping. I feel honored to help out.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering for The Salvation Army?
You should volunteer! You get to meet new people, and you’ll become close knit with those you work alongside. At The Salvation Army, I get treated like family. It’s a great way to give back to the community, and it’s easy to get involved.
Trisha 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.