Who is that beautiful, smiling face you see volunteering at Second Helpings so frequently? It’s September’s Volunteer of the Month, Toni Winstead! Toni has been a volunteer since March 2012 and has provided over 625 hours of tireless service to helping transform lives through the power of food.
She found out about Second Helpings through an article in Indianapolis Monthly magazine and was impressed with the positive impact that we were making in the Indy community. Even though she worked full time, she found a way to get involved and began volunteering in the Hunger Relief Kitchen on Monday mornings. Since then she has taken on volunteering at the Front Desk, assisting with our yearly Inventory, and also helping with some of our special events. If we are ever in a bind, we know who to call. It’s Wonder Woman Winstead to the rescue! Now that she is retired, she spends several days a week giving back to her community and carrying out the mission of Second Helpings.
When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, she says, “The duties at the Front Desk not only allow you to assist the wonderful Second Helpings Staff, but also see the many other companies and organizations who come to volunteer. It also allows you to see first-hand the great impact that Second Helpings makes on our community. Volunteering in the Kitchen to help prepare food is especially a great feeling because you know that the men, women, and children at our partnering agencies will receive a great meal prepared by our wonderful Kitchen Staff and volunteers.”
What does Toni do when she isn’t defeating hunger one Second Helpings volunteer hour at a time? She volunteers on several committees at her church, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, and enjoys her retirement. She just retired after 20 years in the school picture industry and her extra time has allowed her to volunteer more at Second Helpings, read lots of books, and spend more time with her beautiful family.
Well, all we can say is thank goodness for that article in Indianapolis Monthly because we would be lost without Toni’s bright spirit and sincere dedication. You are one remarkable lady, Toni, and your impact on this organization is truly irreplaceable! Congratulations and thank you for everything you do to help spread the mission of Second Helpings.
Are you interested in helping prepare and deliver 4,000 meals each day with Second Helpings? Learn more about our various volunteer opportunities.
Written by Adriane Rios, Manager of Volunteer Services