Thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers, St. Francis House was able to open for food baskets over a week earlier than usual after the holidays! We served between sixty and seventy five clients every day- even with shortened hours.
Thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers, St. Francis House was able to open for food baskets over a week earlier than usual after the holidays! We served between sixty and seventy five clients every day- even with shortened hours. We had awesome volunteers from Christ Church Daughters of the King- June Llyod, Anna Carol Norman, Helen Austin, Cathy Howser, Priss Maddux, Clair Norman, Sandy Smith, Brenda Tirey and Judy Trice, as well as the occasional husband! Joined by board member, Steve Petkoff, long time volunteers Pat Petkoff and Amanda Benning as well as Carter and Conner Lloyd, and Edith Chaves de Osequera!
The day before opening, volunteers and staff moved furniture, moved and boxed files and cleaned the Social Services area making everything spotless!Notice those computers? That was the next step- learning our brand new computer forms so that all of those paper files could be replaced! Volunteers also helped in the food pantry itself bagging and handing out food! Here are some of things are volunteers had to say-
“I loved every minute. It was definitely beneficial to volunteer. We live such different lives, we’re no exposed to the difficulties so many face and it good for me to put faces to the statistics.”
“There was obviously a real need that was being met. And people came from all over, not just Little Rock. it was really a good experience.”
“It was very needful. The waiting room was always full. I hope we can find a way to help St. Francis House not close at all next year. So many people had nothing to eat and it was shocking to find out how little they get in food stamps and in benefits like SSI, SSD and Social Security. ”
“Such a variety of circumstances. One client retired from the same company my husband is with. He worked in the warehouse and even after working full-time for years, he wasn’t drawing enough to live comfortably. And even right after the holidays, people still get hungry, they still get cold, they still need to come out of the rain. I will do this again and I think anyone would benefit from the experience. I realized there is so much I take for granted- it’s actually embarrassing how privileged I am.”
“It was humbling, rewarding, and saddening. One gentleman I met was about my age, but could barely read and write, even though he had completed high school. He was homeless. And the number of people with children- it breaks my heart to think of that many children being food insecure. I would do it again and would encourage others to volunteer as well!”
