Second Helpings has some incredible long-term volunteers who have whipped together delicious dishes, delivered thousands of meals, or dutifully sorted through huge piles of bread. It also has some amazing newer volunteers who have found a passion in serving at Second Helpings, and quickly and willingly volunteer in any way. As we turn the page from 2016 to 2017, we have highlighted a volunteer who began serving within the last year.
A few months ago, Brian Thomason decided to move back to Indianapolis, a city he had lived in for ten years before moving to California. Once back, Brian searched for various volunteering opportunities. A passion for the arts led him to several fine art organizations, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. While there, he met volunteer Phyllis Fulford, a devoted and longtime Second Helpings volunteer. She explained the mission of Second Helpings to transform lives through the power of food through three parts – food rescue, hunger relief, and culinary job training. Entranced, Brian decided he “needed to be there” and began volunteering soon after.
The first face any visitor to Second Helpings will see on Wednesday mornings, and other days as needed, is Brian’s. He mans the front desk, buzzing in people to the front and back doors, entering meal tickets for partner agencies, and working on other administrative projects. He sees the front desk as the first impression of Second Helpings people get, and always tries to do his best to be dependable and make a good impression. Brian has also started conducting mock interviews for the culinary job training students in order to prepare them for interviews they will have in the future. “It’s amazing to see these people learn a new skill and change their lives.” Brian likes getting to know the wide variety of culinary students, and enjoys directly interacting with food rescue, hunger relief, and job training.
For Brian, the mission of Second Helpings is one of his favorite parts of being here. “I’m sad that this organization is necessary, but I’m happy that there is a way I can help. It is such a worthwhile organization – I like to tell other volunteers that they will ‘do good’ and stay busy. Their time is put to good use!”
Overall, Brian is proud to be part of the organization and to further its mission. He loves to sit at lunch and look around not just at what Second Helpings is accomplishing in the community, but at the people who help accomplish the goals of Second Helpings. “It’s something special to see volunteers bond during their time here. Many have formed another family from volunteering here, and that’s a great thing to see.”
When asked whether he wanted to continue volunteering at Second Helpings, Brian responded, “absolutely!” Though relatively new, his incredible commitment and dedication to Second Helpings illustrate the immediate and important impact new volunteers can have.