In recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we asked some of our most dedicated volunteers to share their stories.
The week of April 20-26th is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. At Moveable Feast, we enjoy taking this time to thank our volunteers for their time, talent, and dedication. In 2024, over 1,500 volunteers donated 14,567 hours of their time to make meals in our kitchen, deliver meals to clients, and support our events. Four volunteers; Debbie, Mark, Roger, and Robin, have given over 1,000 hours.
Debbie Michell – volunteer since 2008
What initially connected you to Moveable Feast?
I am a member of Fierce Chicks Rock bike team. I first participated in Ride for the Feast in 2008. I rode for 10 consecutive years, then drove Safety-and-Gear for a year, and have done the shorter routes in the 1-day ride more recently.
I had retired before the COVID-19 pandemic, and in May 2020 I reached out to Jessica Kohnen, the then interim director of Moveable Feast and a member of Fierce Chicks Rock, to ask if I could help. I was an Infectious Disease nurse that specialized in HIV, so she trusted that I could keep myself and our clients safe.
I have since delivered meals 3 times a week.
What is it about Moveable Feast that has kept you engaged for so long?
I missed patient connections when I retired. This fulfills my need to care for and serve others. And I enjoy the weekly one-on-one chats and sharing. I know the clients appreciate the reliability of your drivers and connecting with a familiar face every week. And I love the family of drivers!! I know them like family, and we look out for each other.
Mark Heesen – volunteer since 2017
What initially connected you to Moveable Feast?
Local friends told me they volunteered and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment and the professionalism of the organization.
What is it about Moveable Feast that has kept you engaged for so long?
The kitchen staff have always been truly committed, friendly, and easygoing. I have met some wonderful volunteers that I consider to be friends over the years. The mission of the organization remains highly important to the region and to me.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved with an organization like Moveable Feast? Whether they’re volunteering in the kitchen, on the road, or at one of our special events?
The annual bike event is a great time for bikers and volunteers. A few hours a week can go a long way toward helping those in need. The staff continues to be appreciative of all the work volunteers do be it in the kitchen, on the road or on a bike.
Roger Frye – volunteer since 2016
What initially connected you to Moveable Feast?
My son-in-law volunteered for “Ride for the Feast” through his employer. He had a good experience and still participates in the Ride and other activities. It sounded like a good cause and was a well-run organization. I wasn’t interested in a long bike ride, so I looked into working in the kitchen.
What is it about Moveable Feast that has kept you engaged for so long?
Three factors:
1. Everything I know about the organization is positive. The cause is worthwhile, and the organization seems to be very well run.
2. The volunteer’s time is well used. In other places I’ve volunteered they don’t seem to know what to do with the volunteers and there’s too much idle time, or worse, tasks are invented to keep the volunteers busy.
3. The tasks are well defined and easy to master. It is easy for even a first timer to make a positive contribution and feel that their time has been well spent.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved with an organization like Moveable Feast? Whether they’re volunteering in the kitchen, on the road, or at one of our special events?
I would stress item b. above: doing worthwhile work in a place that’s well organized and efficiently run. I always leave after a shift feeling that I’ve done a good thing and that my efforts were appreciated.
Robin Graham – volunteer since 2018
What initially connected you to Moveable Feast?
Formerly I had volunteered at other organizations but had heard for years of Moveable Feast, and when I fully retired, I came down to see what it was all about, and the rest is history.
What is it about Moveable Feast that has kept you engaged for so long?
For one, a mantra at Moveable Feast: Food is Medicine. Additionally, the other volunteers and the kitchen staff have made it a good fit. I wanted the routine of regularly volunteering and it has given me a sense of serving others.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved with an organization like Moveable Feast? Whether they’re volunteering in the kitchen, on the road, or at one of our special events?
The need is great, and the mission of Moveable Feast is of great benefit in the communities it serves. It is a win-win opportunity to serve and help others that need assistance.
