I am so overjoyed to present Melanie Harris as Second Helpings’ July Volunteer of the Month. Melanie, along with her sister Anna, serve every Friday in the Hunger Relief kitchen as Pan Wrappers. Melanie has a big personality and greets you with a beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She always has a word of encouragement and is a great supporter of Second Helpings.
Thank you for sharing your time to #FeedIndy! Learn more about Melanie in her own words below.
How did you become involved in Second Helpings?
I heard about Second Helpings in 2018 from a fellow volunteer while volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank.
What types of things have you done since you began volunteering with us?
I’ve participated in a variety of tasks during my time at Second Helpings, including operating tilts, chopping meats and veggies, making sandwiches, filling grab-and-go meal containers, dish room assistant, hub operations and pan wrapping.
What have you liked best about volunteering with us?
I have enjoyed every aspect of serving at Second Helpings, from meeting the many wonderful fellow volunteers, learning about the various agencies that are recipients of Second Helpings donations, increased knowledge of food preparation, and the coordinated process of food rescue.
What are you most proud of accomplishing through your volunteer work here?
I’m humbled and privileged that I get to volunteer and serve in the mission of reducing food insecurity for many families.
What do you do when you’re not volunteering with us?
I love to work in my yard and I try to read a book every week from my local library.
Do you volunteer for any other organization?
Yes, I volunteer weekly at Gleaners and Crooked Creek Food Pantry.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I served in the US Army (1979 – 1987) as a finance specialist. I was stationed in Fort Eustis, VA, Schwabisch Gmund, Germany and here in Indy at Fort Harrison. Needless to say, I enjoyed every assignment and was definitely “Private Benjamin”?