At 7:00 AM at the First Street Mission volunteers are working, focused on serving others. They arrived half an hour ago. They drank coffee in their trucks on the way here so they could go right to work when they arrived. It’s quiet, although the volunteers clearly enjoy being together.
Today is one guy’s first time volunteering. He looks extra energetic and can’t stop smiling. Two of them work in downtown. They said it’s easy to stop by before work and help out for a while. Four are retired. They said it keeps them feeling young. One owns his own business. They all like the idea of being “behind the scenes” helpers.
All of the food bags that they’re prepping will go out tomorrow. More volunteers come tomorrow to prep bags for Thursday. There are even more volunteers on the other side of the building prepping dishes and supplies for move-in kits.
It’s really amazing… we don’t do much to recruit these volunteers. They hear about the mission at church, see the need in the community, and just call us up and ask to come and work. It is an act of faith for them, even an act of worship. It’s humbling to be here, surrounded by people living their faith. It’s also fun, challenging, and inspiring. You’re invited to join us sometime. Sign up for a tour and see for yourself.
Thank you,
Andrew Hellmers
First Street Methodist Mission
