My New Volunteer Assignment

There were 2 clues that this was going to be a different volunteer experience than those I am used to – working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel High School, Boy Scouts and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project.  The first was the sign on the agency’s door: “No weapons allowed inside this building.” Hmmmm.  The second was when one of the men waiting outside told me that I was #3 - after him and his friend.  He then carefully pointed to himself and to his buddy to make sure I understood.  They were in front of me.  They would get service first.  Given this is an agency that distributes free food and clothing to the needy, I guess it means I did not overdress for my first day on the job.

Actually I HAD thought about what to wear.  Having no idea what sort of place it was (other than knowing it supplied emergency services) – would I be with society do-gooders (leather jacket, nice shirt and pants, suede boots) or with community activists (jeans, hoodie, sneakers – the Portland uniform)?  I combined both – nice pants and shirt with hoodie.  Apparently I surpassed expectations.  I fit right in. 

I found this agency through the Oregon Food Bank.  Last October I read a report that identified Oregon as having the highest percentage of child hunger in the US.  I was appalled.  This should not happen.  Anywhere.  I don’t care about anyone’s views on safety net programs – no child deserves to go hungry.  I went online and signed up to be a speaker for the Food Bank.  I would use my years of teaching and passion for the issue to persuade others to donate to this worthwhile cause.  Unfortunately the 3 mandatory training sessions were in November when I would be in California.  “Okay,” I thought, “I will help pack food for deliveries.”  I envisioned myself in the Food Bank warehouse, coifed in a hairnet, sorting food as it came down a belt – kind of like Lucille Ball in the famous chocolate candy episode.  But then I found the Food Bank’s list of local organizations they support with food donations and discovered that one was within a few miles of my house.  I called last week and here I was at their front door reviewing what I had in my purse – did any of it qualify as a weapon?  Nah, I was okay.  I could go in.

I thought I was coming to meet the program director at 9:15, fill out papers, discuss options, find that perfect match of skills and needs.  I’d be home in an hour, I thought, ready to start next week.  Nope. Not what happened.  Within minutes I was ensconced in a chair in front of a telephone ready to field calls.  Yes, I had training – maybe 5 minutes.  I learned how to put a call on hold, how to transfer it to 4 possible places (nice there were so few) and how to handle the 3 most commonly asked questions (by the way, they were right).  I met fellow volunteers who handle interviews, collection/distribution of resources and assistance with clients.  15 minutes after I walked in the door,  the agency opened and we were off and running.  By 2:00, when service with the public closed, I was tired.  No breaks.  Next week I will remember to bring lunch. 

What are the 3 most common questions?  How do I get food?  How do I get clothing?  Do you have any money to help me pay my utility bills? The first two we can deal with, the last, no, the funding for the year has already run out.  If the caller did not qualify for our services (not in our service area, too much income) or needed help with the utilities, I had other agencies to refer them to.

The other volunteers are an interesting mix.  Some are here by court order – think Lindsay Lohen at the County Morgue.  Others, the long timers, are here by choice.  Some volunteer several days a week, some, like me, just on Mondays.  Everyone was gracious and helped me out when I wasn’t sure of an answer. 

What I CAN say is:

1. The need is great while resources are small.
2. My effort, although insignificant in the face of the challenge, is needed.
3. I won’t bring my purse again - I was warned things walk away.
4. Some clients aren’t here for food or clothing distributions but for a free cup of a coffee, a cookie and a warm seat.
5. The greatest need in clothing is men’s wear.  They never have enough to meet demand.
6. Although most clients were thoughtful and expressed themselves clearly, it’s best not to engage some in discussion.  I was told I would quickly learn which ones to avoid.  It reminded me of my then savvy bus-riding 12 year old son Lee’s statement to me when I asked him how the bus system worked in Pacific Grove.  He said, “Remember, Mom, the driver is your friend, but some of the passengers are not.”
7. When you overhear a client discussing how he does his own dental work with his Dremel drill, allow yourself to shudder and then move on.  I hope it’s not true.

I learned a lot in a few hours.  Right now I am sitting in my warm house, thinking about friends and family and grateful for what I have.   I also look forward to my next session at the agency.  It’s good to be back volunteering.