Making an Impact: One Volunteer Goes Above and Beyond to Care for a Client

By Craig Shniderman, Executive Director, Food & Friends

This past weekend while I was checking my email, I found an unusual and particularly heartwarming message. Our Client Services Manager reported on an out of the ordinary encounter between a client and volunteer delivery person. One of our clients, a 91 years old woman in hospice care, received her regular Saturday delivery from Daniel, a regular volunteer. What was unusual about this delivery was that Daniel found the client in distress and took it upon himself to ensure her well-being. He contacted the client’s family member and the hospice provider, as well as Food & Friends staff, to alert them of the situation. Working together, our teams made sure to quickly get the appropriate care to the client.

I found this quite remarkable because our volunteers’ responsibility is limited to simply delivering the food. But like many others here, Daniel has developed a personal relationship with several of the clients to whom he delivers. After Daniel completed the rest of his delivery route on Saturday, he went back to the client’s house to make sure she was receiving the help she needed. She lives in the District, so this was not particularly convenient for Daniel, who lives in Arlington.  His attachment to this client and his sense of responsibility compelled him to go this extra step.

I called Daniel on Saturday after I heard this story from Rachel and had a wonderful conversation with him. I learned that Daniel and his wife Elisa became volunteers at Food & Friends 22 years ago and have remained interested in the organization ever since. They lived away from the Washington area for a while, but when they returned, Daniel told me that one of the first things they did was to reestablish a volunteer relationship with Food & Friends. 

When people ask what about Food & Friends is different than other food delivery programs, we generally talk about the specialty diets and nutritional counseling that we provide to all of our clients. But one of the things that really sets us apart beyond this is the degree of engagement by many of our volunteers. 

We recently surveyed our volunteers, and one of the striking revelations is the extent to which our volunteers are invested in our clients and wanted to grow those relationships. Many expressed a desire to interact more with clients, or simply know more about how the clients are faring. One way we have responded to these requests is to introduce a pilot volunteer delivery program called “Delivery Jumpers.” These volunteers will accompany our staff drivers on their delivery routes and assist with bringing the meals door to door. It will be a great opportunity for volunteers who are looking to interact with clients, but may not be able or comfortable with delivering on their own. It will also a boon for our drivers who will benefit from the extra help. 

The value of the Food & Friends experience comes not just from the food, but from the impactful relationships that so often develop between the volunteer and client. This commitment to excellence is something that we often talk about in terms of staff responsibilities and interactions with clients, but we also see this exemplary compassion in volunteers like Daniel and Elisa.

Abbe Levin: Hammin' It Up on Thanksgiving

With a background in theater, it’s no surprise that Abbe Levin is a bit of a ham. Or should we say turkey. For the past several Thanksgivings, she has brought joy to our clients by delivering meals while wearing her signature turkey hat.

Delivering meals “is a beautiful way to spend the holiday,” says Abbe. “People are so genuinely happy to see you and share in the joy of the day. I think of it as reaching out to friends I haven’t met yet.”

A native Washingtonian, Abbe first began delivering meals while working in New York City as an actor. Working with nonprofit organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (a funder of Food & Friends) and God's Love We Deliver, she packed meals into her car to take to older adults, people with HIV/AIDS and others living with chronic illnesses.

Twelve years ago, Abbe moved back to the D.C. to help care for her aging parents, Chuck and Marge Levin, and manage Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center – the family business they founded in 1958. After both parents passed away, she found herself with free time to volunteer on holidays. That is when she connected with Food & Friends, offering to deliver meals over the winter holidays.

“I love doing the food delivery,” says Abbe, who in recent years has been joined by her colleague from the music store, Gloria Williams. “There’s something very calming, very comforting in delivering meals on Thanksgiving,” she says, pointing out that it puts her in a good mood going into the frenzy of Black Friday.

Abbe credits her parents with instilling in their children a philanthropic spirit and genuine compassion for others. “They were the kind of people I aspire to be,” she says.

So was her brother, Robert, who passed away suddenly two years ago at the age of 55 after a short illness. She still remembers the profound statement he made at the end of his life: “I’m so lucky,” she recalls him saying. “I have people to care for me. But what happens to th
ose who aren’t so lucky? What do they do?”

Abbe thinks about that every time she delivers a meal. “Thank goodness for organizations like Food & Friends, who step in and help until a cure is found – or just until…” she says in a voice filled with compassion.

Kenni Delivers: Driving 700 Miles a Week to Serve Our Neighbors in Need

For many, the commute is the worst part of any day. Sitting in traffic for hours on a drive that should only take 30 minutes, all while hoping a good song comes on the radio. Now, imagine spending your entire day in the car, driving all around the city. To some this is a nightmare, but at Food & Friends it’s what our delivery drivers do, Monday thru Saturday, 52 weeks a year.

Kenni Wall, our Delivery Coordinator, has done this for almost 10 years and is just as passionate about his work today as he was on his first day. In fact, Kenni was just honored by the Delivery Department with the Safety, Efficiency & Teamwork Award (SET).

This award is given twice a year to a member of the delivery staff who exemplifies a commitment to safety on the road, works effectively and efficiently, and is an outstanding member of the Food & Friends team. Kenni repeatedly goes above and beyond in his work by volunteering to help with fundraising events after a long day on the road, obeying traffic laws, and picking up extra delivery stops to ensure new clients start receiving meals right away.

Five days a week, Kenni drives more than 700 miles throughout DC, MD, and VA delivering meals to the most vulnerable members of our community. He brings meals to people who are going through chemotherapy and are too weak to prepare meals for themselves and their loved ones, and to people who are experiencing side effects from their HIV medications. It is not an easy task spending this much time alone on the road and witnessing, first-hand, the struggles that our clients endure. But for Kenni, it’s the clients that keep him motivated.

“When you know someone [needs the food], appreciates it, and is happy to see you, that is what keeps me motivated,” said Kenni.

Kenni has seen a lot and has positively impacted the lives of many in our community. A memory that stands out to him is from this last winter. It was a harsh, cold winter and our clients were hit harder than many in the community. One day, along with the meals, Kenni was delivering donated poinsettias.

“I remember delivering to a client who lives in Calvert County, Maryland. When I arrived with the flowers she started crying – she loves having fresh flowers in her home and appreciated the gesture,” says Kenni.

Our clients connect with our drivers as much as our drivers connect with the clients. We receive calls from clients everyday just to say how much they love our delivery drivers. What makes our drivers so special? Compassion.

“You need compassion to look someone in the eye, know they are hurting, and ask ‘how are you feeling?’ and to spare a few minutes of your time to speak with them. That takes compassion and our delivery drivers have that,” said Kenni.

There is no denying that days at Food & Friends can be tough – there are a lot of people who need our help and conditions are not always on our side. Between inclement weather, extreme heat, road closings, and heavy traffic there are a lot of obstacles that can stand in the way of our drivers making successful deliveries. But our staff has a rapport that helps make the tough days a little easier.

“Coming in every morning, seeing everyone laughing and joking is my favorite part about working at Food & Friends. When you come in you know that you are going to have a hard day to tackle and connecting with everyone before heading out on to the road prepares you to tackle those challenges,” said Kenni.

Kenni takes great pride in the work he does every day for Food & Friends. Kenni was raised learning that if you can do anything to help someone less fortunate than yourself you are obligated to do so. This is evident in his tremendous work ethic and good spirit. We are happy to have him as part of the Food & Friends family and we know our clients feel the same way.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Brandon Nichols, Community Relations Associate

URGENT Need for Delivery Drivers by 10:30am Today

We have an URGENT NEED for delivery drivers today so that we may deliver meals in Maryland, Virginia and the District.

If you have a car and are willing to help, please call Don Pitz at (202) 841-5347. We need help beginning at 10:30am and need to have all meals out the door by 12noon.

Keeping our promise and delivering meals rain or shine.

As thousands are making arrangements and preparing for Hurricane Sandy, we are ramping up our efforts to ensure that our clients are taken care of through the storm. Today, we need to deliver more than 6,000 meals to our neighbors in need. For them, this storm is more challenging than for the rest of us.

Everyday you make it possible for us to fulfill a promise to thousands in the region; that we are here for them. Today is no different and we need your help to keep that promise.

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@foodandfriends.org | #sandywontstopus

It's Been a Rough Road for Our Clients and Our Vans

Recently, some of our clients were expecting to receive their meals, but the delivery driver didn't arrive.

It wasn't because the meals hadn't been prepared, or that the driver forgot them when he loaded the van, it was because the van broke down due to the wear and tear of traveling 135 miles a day over the last 10 years.

Thankfully, a staff member was able to deliver the meals later that day but I'm not sure about the next time. Your gift today can help add a new van to our fleet.

Our 7-person delivery team drives 1,356 miles a day. Today, we have four vans in need of repairs which means fewer vehicles on the road providing clients with the food they need to manage their illness.

Your gift is urgently needed to help cover the $55,360 purchase of a new refrigerated van and ensure meal deliveries to all of those who need and rely on our service.

Now, here is the good news; a generous donor has agreed to match contributions for a new van with a gift of $25,000.

So, I really need your help. Your steadfast commitment means that when the call comes from whoever is in need we are ready to make the next delivery. I’m counting on you. But most importantly, so are our clients.

Together, we can make a difference,

Craig Shniderman
Executive Director, Food & Friends

P.S. Please donate today to help purchase a much-needed refrigerated van and to help provide specialized meals to those in our community living with life-challenging illnesses. Please don’t wait to have your gift matched! I can’t stress enough how much your support can help.

Friends Helping Friends: Friends spend quality time together through volunteerism

Sheela Nayak and Beth Clark have found that volunteering together at Food & Friends is a wonderful way to form a deeper bond while making new friends. They began volunteering together in 2003 after Beth retired from her job and was looking for service activities during the week. Sheela had already been delivering meals at Food & Friends for the past two years so she asked Beth to join her on her route. They have been delivering ever since.

“Sharing the experience makes volunteering a lot more fun, and there is an energy that is absent when you work alone,” says Beth. “And, after the activity is over, you have shared memories, which make friendships stronger.”

Sheela echoes that sentiment, “Now, we can discuss other ideas –issues in life. There are no words to describe the togetherness.”

Their shared values on service and community have enhanced their volunteer experience and have strengthened their friendship. Neither of them realized how similar they were until they had this opportunity to spend time together.

“Prior to volunteering together, we were casual friends … but we never had the opportunity to really talk and get to know each other,” says Beth. “Our friendship really took off because of our shared interest in service.”

Beth’s favorite volunteer memory is when one of their clients gave them each a small gift after they dropped off his meals.

“After we left, I remember Sheela saying that this was obviously so important to him and commented on how happy he seemed to be able to give us a token of thanks,” says Beth. “I wonder to myself if I could be as gracious if I was in their place. I know I have learned a lot about looking on the bright side from our clients.”

Delivering meals has not only changed their friendship but gave them the opportunity to learn about the clients on a new level. “I have been a volunteer for many years, there is something about our clients that is very special – despite the hardships they are facing, they always greet us with a smile and a kind word…” says Beth.

Both Sheela and Beth are thankful for their experience with Food & Friends and enthusiastically recommend volunteering. “Volunteering for Food & Friends makes people feel like someone cares,” says Sheela. Beth responds, “I have always looked to volunteer where the need is greatest, and hope that by doing my small part, I might leave myself and the world just a little better.”

Looking for ways to get involved with friends? Consider adopting a delivery route. It is fun, easy to do and can fit into your schedule. Visit www.foodandfriends.org or contact Don Pitz for more information.

Delivering Duo: Mom and daughter make a difference with just a couple hours a week

Your support helps to deliver more than 3,700 nutritious meals every day. Delivery volunteer Lisa Anbinder and her 4-year-old daughter, Celia, see firsthand the effect these meals have on clients.

 

Lisa and Celia deliver meals to clients every Friday. 
Lisa adopted a route that fits her busy schedule.

When Lisa was facing thyroid cancer six years ago, she was fortunate to have a husband, close friends and children who were able to care for her. Without such a support system, her story might be told a little differently.

Motivated by her past illness and desire to serve others, Lisa and her husband have been major donors to Food & Friends for many years. Recently Lisa found a new way to make an impact as a delivery volunteer. Now, every Friday, Lisa and Celia bring companionship and delicious meals to clients throughout Arlington.

“It’s really nice to see the other side of Food & Friends. We’ve been in the kitchen and we’ve given money but I’d never been in touch with the client side,” explains Lisa. “It’s interesting to see the end of the process, where the prepared meals go.”

As a busy stay-at-home mom, Lisa appreciates the flexibility of the work. Specifically, she was looking for a volunteer activity she could do with her young daughter. Food & Friends was the perfect fit.

“I like the fact that she can come along and be exposed to this kind of volunteering,” says Lisa. “My deliveries take a little bit longer having Celia with me, but in the long run it’s a nice thing for her to know that it’s a normal part of what we do.”

Whether donating, volunteering or attending events, Lisa looks forward to continuing her family’s involvement with Food & Friends. Join Lisa and adopt a route in your neighborhood. Once you adopt a route, you will always deliver to the same area. Be prepared to build bonds and friendships that last a lifetime.

Sign up for our ChopTalk newsletter to read stories like Lisa's and other outstanding individuals and groups whose generous spirit, like yours, allows us to have an ongoing and tremendous impact on the lives of our neighbors facing serious illness.

We Need You to Deliver Hope

Volunteers are at the heart of Food & Friends’ mission. Thanks to the generosity of more than 12,600 volunteers, 14% more meals were delivered in 2011 than in 2010.

This year, we plan to increase meal production by 7.5% and we need volunteers to deliver more than 630,000 of the 1,268,000 nutritious meals heading to the homes of men, women and children facing life-challenging illnesses. Help us meet this need and make a special commitment by joining us as a delivery volunteer.

“The need in our community for Food & Friends’ services continues to increase. The solution to this challenge relies on the community stepping forward and giving time on a regular basis,” says Don Pitz, Volunteer Coordinator at Food & Friends. “Although we were able to serve everyone that was referred to us last year, it’s becoming difficult to deliver to additional clients when the number of delivery volunteers is not keeping pace.”

Food & Friends’ services are free of charge thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors. To minimize expenses, our goal is to have at least 50% of all meals delivered by volunteers and the remaining 50% by staff drivers. To make this a reality, we need an additional 20-25 delivery volunteers each week for the rest of the year. Without the help of volunteers, Food & Friends will pay an additional $127,000 for delivery drivers.

Delivering is fun, easy to do and can fit into your schedule. We are looking for people to deliver in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia on a regular basis—once a week or once/twice a month depending on your schedule. Routes take approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and we provide a map taking you from door to door. No matter how busy you are, we can find a delivery route that is perfect for you!

Become a delivery volunteer today by contacting Don Pitz, Volunteer Coordinator, at dpitz@foodandfriends.org or at (202) 269-6835.