My Nonprofit Reviews
stegall
Review for Society of St. Andrew, Big Island, VA, USA
I absolutely love volunteering with Society of Saint Andrew. It is very efficient and effective for getting good, healthy, fresh food to folks who are hungry. There is an area co-ordinator who contacts farmers about picking any edible but unsellable food left in the field. The co-ordinator then recruits gleaners(pickers), drivers to deliver what is picked, and other non-profit agencies that will accept the fresh produce and distribute it. This is done through e-mail and phone calls. There is very little commitment; if you get a notice for a gleaning and can not or just do not want to participate then you ignore the notice. If you are able and willing you respond and are sent the details. There is no pressure from the co-ordinators. Once after gleaning tomatoes I estimated how many pounds my wife and I had gleaned and looked at the local supermarket to see what tomatoes cost. We were able to pick over $300 dollars of tomatoes. There was no way we could have given anyone or any organization $300. Our investment was less than $20 after we bought gas and stopped for a snack on the way home. We have also been allowed to take food to people we know who are in need such as the elderly on fixed incomes. They are always so appreciative of having fresh produce. The more I volunteer with Society of Saint Andrew the more I enjoy it. It's such a good feeling to know that I am using not only my finances but my time in a very productive way that helps others who are struggling.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
That I have taken produce to seniors in my community and I have seen and heard how much they appreciate not only the food but that someone was thinking about them. I think for some of them just knowing that some one cared meant as much as the food.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
I guess that everything can be improved on, but I can't think of anything negative about my experiences with Society of Saint Andrew.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have met some great people; whether it was other gleaners or those I have delivered food to.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
As a CHRISTian I feel it is very important to live according to God's Word(The Bible). There are so many Biblical principles that apply to Society of Saint Andrew. Good stewardship, loving others, helping others. CHRISTians are one body made up of many members. My favorite e-mails are the ones that come from the area co-ordinator. I love doing this and I love the results that it brings to other people.
