Charlotte’s Journey – Empowerment Through Volunteering
Charlotte found empowerment through volunteering with The Salvation Army in St. Louis. Her journey from seeking assistance to becoming a pillar of support embodies the transformative power of service and community.
Six years ago, Charlotte found herself at The Salvation Army Temple Corps, seeking food assistance. It was there that a simple invitation changed her life's trajectory. A volunteer, sensing Charlotte's willingness to help others, asked if she had ever considered volunteering. With a heart eager to give back, Charlotte accepted the invitation.
“I came to The Salvation Army Temple Corps in St. Louis to get food. One day a young lady asked me if I would like to volunteer. I’ve always liked helping others, so it sounded like a good idea to me!
“I’ve been helping out now for around six years. It’s the best feeling in the world knowing that I’m helping to make a difference right here in the community. I get to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds every day. I love meeting new personalities! Everybody is different but they’re all wonderful to get along with. I learn a lot as a volunteer. I help people to access the food pantry, get assistance from the social worker, whatever people need!”
Since that day, Charlotte has been a steadfast presence at the Corps. Every week, she embodies the spirit of service, assisting others with accessing the food pantry, connecting them with social services, and offering a comforting presence to those in need. Through her volunteer work, Charlotte has become an integral part of the community, touching the lives of countless individuals from diverse backgrounds.
For Charlotte, volunteering isn't just about lending a hand; it's about forging connections and fostering empathy. She revels in the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, recognizing the inherent humanity in each person she encounters. Through her interactions, she learns valuable lessons about compassion, resilience, and the shared experiences that unite us all.
The impact of Charlotte's efforts extends far beyond the walls of the Corps. In partnership with The Salvation Army, she has contributed to providing over 285,000 meals to those facing food insecurity in Missouri and Southern Illinois. Her dedication exemplifies the commitment to tackling food poverty and supporting local communities.
Through volunteering, Charlotte has found her voice, her purpose, and her sense of empowerment. She is proof that regardless of one's circumstances, there is always an opportunity to make a difference. As she reflects on her journey, Charlotte emphasizes the transformative power of lending a helping hand and the importance of recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
In a world often marked by uncertainty and hardship, Charlotte's story serves as a beacon of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of acts of kindness. Through her ongoing commitment to service, she continues to inspire others to embrace the power of community and to strive for positive change, one compassionate gesture at a time.
“Volunteering is a wonderful way to get to know people better. You’ll see that we’re all the same really and everyone deserves a helping hand sometimes.”
Food Insecurity: we provided over 285,000 meals in Missouri and Southern Illinois last year.
The Salvation Army will continue to tackle food poverty in 2024 through our food pantries, financial assistance, and meals provided at our corps community centers and services. Food Pantry Tax Credits are available to support the local food pantries.