What Volunteering Looks Like: Jacqueline’s Story
Jacqueline Davis was looking for a meaningful way to give back and spend time with her daughter, Allie, when she heard about Food & Friends. The first time she volunteered here, she thought, “Wow, this is amazing.”
Jacqueline was impressed by how volunteers power the mission of making and delivering medically tailored meals and groceries to neighbors living with serious illnesses and their family members, as well as the devotion of the staff. In the three years since that first visit, Jacqueline and Allie have spent every Thursday packing medically tailored meals at Food & Friends.
“I just feel like we’re home,” said Jacqueline, of Bowie, MD. “It truly is a wonderful organization.”
Jacqueline, a retired business consultant, also joined our Bread & Butter Club, providing monthly support to help neighbors in need because “every little bit counts.” Knowing she is directly helping others gives her purpose.
“We could all be there,” Jacqueline said, of how anyone can get sick. “That could be my family. That could be me. That could be any of us, and every now and then we all need to help and give back because we can.”
Food & Friends has repeatedly been named the Best Place to Volunteer in DC in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC Readers Poll, and that holds true for Jacqueline and Allie.
Vote for us: Best Nonprofit
Vote for us: Best Place to Volunteer
Vote for us: Best Charity Event – Chef’s Best
“I can’t say enough about that team,” Jacqueline says of the Food & Friends meal packing and volunteer services staff, with special shout-outs for Grocery & Expediting Manager Rachelle Alexis, Lead Expeditor Raymond Wade, and Volunteer Services Manager Holly Paulsen. “It’s a labor of love for them; it’s not just a job. They all have a hug and a smile for you. It just warms me.”
Food & Friends has also become Allie’s favorite place to volunteer and given the 29-year-old more confidence, Jacqueline said. She would come every day if she could, and the two have bonded with their fellow volunteers.
“For me as a mother, there is nothing more meaningful than seeing her understand she’s making a difference. It reminds us both that everyone has something valuable to offer and give back,” Jacqueline said.
Food & Friends is more than just a place to volunteer.
“It becomes your family,” Jacqueline said.
