Labor Day at the ACCA food pantry is as much abuzz as the bees flitting between zinnia blooms in the garden by the entrance. It begins when Jane, her son Thomas, and his friend Robert open up, and the two young men get right to work.
In this venue, neither are daunted by their challenges nor strangers to volunteering so Jane’s guidance takes on more of a cheerleading role. The smiling duo restock cans of beans and fruit, and when a volunteer comes in with a sizable donation from Queen of Apostles (a partner church) they do everything from soup to nuts. They weigh the bags and calculate the total (today’s haul is 65 pounds) before putting all of the groceries away on the appropriate shelves; they fold the paper bags so they can be used later for packing groceries for clients, and break down the residual boxes and bring them to the recycling bin outside.
When asked why they volunteer at the Food Pantry, the answer reveals a mutual benefit. Robert said, “I want to help out”. Jane explained that her son Thomas is keen on the regularity and the familiarity of helping in the pantry. She added that delivering to clients also expands his communication skills. He uses a device to choose and speak his words. She said at times clients will see Thomas punching buttons on his tablet to “say” something and they visibly relax and feel more receptive knowing others have challenges too.
Now 24 years old, Thomas has been a pantry staple (excuse the pun) for nine years. He has also helped with special projects, such as creating shelf labels as an organizational boon to orient other volunteers.
Robert is 21, attending FCPS, and is currently learning to cook in an apprenticeship with the Knights of Columbus. He likes learning new skills, and when he volunteers in the pantry, he gets satisfaction from putting food items where they belong. He especially lights up when somebody comes through the door.
That was the case with Stan, who decided to drop by on “his day off“ and check to see if there is something in need of attention. On his heels was Arturo with garden clippers in hand.
Having picked up the gauntlet or shovel from Norman Hicks—one of ACCA’s longest-serving volunteers and founder of the garden—Arturo is keeping his hands dirty. There’s enough basil to brighten any Italian dish, and long-stemmed flowers to form cheerful bouquets, and Robert and Thomas have picked boxes of tomatoes that will also be parsed out to clients. Gardens are like children, it takes a village to raise them. Arturo would love to have help, especially since he can’t say no to any seedlings. That worked in his favor when somebody dropped by with the early beginnings of butternut squash. Now they’re approaching harvest time.
All this activity occurred within one hour. Volunteers used their Labor Day caring for others. As much as they enjoy it, it still is work. So we asked Robert and Thomas what they like to do with their time off. The answer came out in a delightful list format: dance, sing, do art, listen to music, watch movies, and hang out with friends. The last item highlights how volunteering at ACCA is fertile ground for fellowship. All bring value and are valued.