This is an amazing group! I became involved during the early days of the COVID-19 quarantine when I got to experience firsthand their creative pivot from the group's normal mission activities to provide food and support for those in need due to job loss. There was not a road map for what was happening in those early days but the group approached the challenges from a positive "what CAN we do?" perspective and rolled up their sleeves to do whatever it took. I have been a volunteer for multiple organizations and they take the cake in so many ways. First and foremost they truly know, understand, and care about those they are serving and do so many things to demonstrate it. Although they temporarily shifted gears to provide food, they also found ways to weave in elements of their original mission of providing encouragement and support to young school aged children facing difficult circumstances by including notes and activity packs with the food. Their passion makes volunteering very rewarding experience - you see the impacts you are having. Secondly, they are innovative and resourceful. They let people help, they build partnerships with others, and creatively "find a way" vs. other groups I have volunteered with that let challenges thwart their momentum while volunteers experience lots of down time. Additionally, they are genuinely appreciative of their volunteers and express that appreciation continuously. Other organizations I have been with that don't take a moment to acknowledge the time and effort their volunteers are putting in experience lots of turnover, but this group makes it a point to sincerely say thanks and it's heartfelt. Lastly, they are super organized and follow through on everything they say they will do, which makes a big difference. I can't say enough positive things about this organization and the impact they have on both those they serve and their volunteers. They are a role model organization.
