Second Helpings’ December 2019 Volunteer of the Month has a soul full of sunshine that shines so bright. She volunteers across all three parts of our mission at least one day each week and has contributed nearly 400 hours of service in just three short years. Time sure does fly when you get to spend your days with one of the best volunteers in the city.
How did this lovely lady find out about Second Helpings? Several years ago, her company scheduled a volunteer activity in our Hunger Relief Kitchen and by the end of her shift she knew exactly what she wanted to do upon retirement. As many of you know, volunteer groups have become a significant part of our volunteer program and one of our favorite stories to tell is when someone decides to become part of our family after a fulfilling group experience.
Want to hear something super cool? Sheryl is now one of those incredible Kitchen Leads who leads group volunteers during their activities. Not only that, she delivers meals. Sheryl sorts bread. She conducts mock interviews for Culinary Job Training students. She helps at special events. And she is here at least every Tuesday to do absolutely anything we need her to do in the Hunger Relief Kitchen.
“All of the work is fulfilling to me. I love delivering food and seeing the many agencies that strive to help others just like we do,” she says. “They are so appreciative of our deliveries. I also enjoy helping our students prepare themselves for an interview and seeing the confidence they feel when we give them positive feedback. Finally, I love working with our corporate groups because it’s just fun to share my passion for the work of Second Helpings and to hope that someday those folks will volunteer on their own, too! I also love how supportive and appreciative the Second Helpings staff is for all volunteers. We truly feel appreciated!”
In addition to serving her community at Second Helpings, Sheryl also volunteers at her church. She ushers guests at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. She volunteers with Random Acts of Flowers, where she rescues flowers from local grocery stores and prepares beautiful arrangements for residents at hospitals and nursing homes. What does she enjoy the most? “Being the best “Nana” I can be to my 3 grandchildren living in Indianapolis!” she says.
Prior to retirement, Sheryl had a 39-year career in teaching that ranged from Special Education, to consulting/training, to college teaching and supervising student teachers. She finished her work life in Talent Management and Leadership Development at INDOT and served as a tour guide for the city of Indianapolis with Accent Indy DMC.
To sum it all up, Sheryl is one truly remarkable lady. Her stewardship for Second Helpings is priceless and we are beyond grateful for her passion towards serving our community. We love you, Sheryl! You earned your recognition as December 2019 Volunteer of the Month.