What it Means to Volunteer in Sussex

My very dear volunteers,

When you volunteer at (SOS), it means many things. It means that 38 families needed food last night and you made sure that they got it. It means those families were treated with kindness and respect, just one person giving another a helping hand.  

It means that the food pantry is stocked and clean. It means that the donated food items are counted and date checked right away, so our clients can have them. It means that there are nice clothes and housewares available for our clients to choose from.  

Those items are displayed with care, which conveys the respect those volunteers have for the clients and the mission here at SOS. It means that the bread and bakery has been picked up several times throughout the week, by volunteers who don't need to hear a thank you. They just do it. 

It means that when working in the office supporting Jennifer, Trish, and John, you are completing important tasks that directly benefit others. It means that those tasks are done correctly and they are done well, no matter how big or small. It means that when you say you are going to be there, you are. It means seeing the same familiar faces volunteering each week, because they keep coming back.

It means that I am indebted to all of you. The many volunteers, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities who take the time out of their lives to give back. It means...something.

Thank you,

Jennifer Waltz
Director of Sussex Outreach Services