MEET BECKY!
Name: Becky Cosby
Town of residence: Marlborough
Which UWTC program(s) have you volunteered for? Marlborough Community Cupboard.
How long have you been volunteering at the Marlborough Community Cupboard? I have been volunteering for a year and a half.
Do you volunteer regularly or occasionally? I volunteer regularly.
Why did you decide to volunteer? It started with a community service day for my department at Bose. I chose the Community Cupboard, in part, because it’s in my neighborhood. I enjoyed the variety of tasks and the friendly attitude of the regular volunteers. When the pandemic hit, I started coming almost every day.
How did you decide to volunteer with Marlborough Community Cupboard? I was raised in a Catholic family by parents who taught us to do what we can to help our neighbors. The Community Cupboard gives me a chance to provide my immediate neighbors with some basic, immediate help.
What do you do when you volunteer? At the Community Cupboard we all do whatever needs doing. I enjoy being able to switch up my day and go from filling grocery bags to stocking shelves to directly helping our customers.
How does volunteering make you feel? Volunteering is extremely satisfying and there are so many opportunities out there, anyone can find something that speaks to their own talents and particular concerns. I really love the gratification that comes from providing someone with that one thing they really need.
Why do you think it's important for people to volunteer? We are meant to look after our brothers and sisters. The good Samaritan is more than just a story, it’s a model for our lives.
If you work, can you tell us where and what you do? At the moment, I am unemployed, which is why I’m able to spend so much time at the Community Cupboard. Normally, I’d be in the office working as an Executive Assistant.
Tell us a story of a time when you knew your volunteering made a difference: One of my favorite activities is “Read to a Child.” One girl I read to started out saying that she didn’t like to read. Within two months, she said to me that I read slow. She had started reading to herself at home and was further along in that book than we were with the one we were reading together!
What's your best advice for someone interested in volunteering? Ask around at work and within your family. You definitely know people who volunteer. Find out what’s out there and where to find those opportunities that appeal to you. Don’t worry about having time or physical ability; there will be something to suit you!
MEET LISA!
Name: Lisa Booth
Town of residence: Sudbury
Which UWTC program(s) have you volunteered for? Marlborough Community Cupboard.
How long have you been volunteering at the Marlborough Community Cupboard? I have been volunteering for almost four years.
Do you volunteer regularly or occasionally? I volunteer regularly.
Why did you decide to volunteer? At first, because they needed help for one night. But I enjoyed the people and I wanted to help others who really needed it.
How did you decide to volunteer with Marlborough Community Cupboard? I was intrigued from another volunteer and decided it was a great place to help.
What do you do when you volunteer? When I volunteer, I assist customers with their weekly and monthly supplies. I pack boxes with vegetables. I assist with translation to English from customers to volunteers; whatever is needed at the time.
How does volunteering make you feel? It’s a rewarding experience. I feel fulfilled.
Why do you think it's important for people to volunteer? We all need help at times. It is important for all of us to give of our time, treasures, and talents when we can.
If you work, can you tell us where and what you do? I volunteer at some other places but nothing for pay right now.
If you are retired, what did you do before? I was a Meteorologist.
Tell us a story of a time when you knew your volunteering made a difference: I met a woman who lived on the streets who had nothing. She was very grateful for anything we could give her.
What's your best advice for someone interested in volunteering? Look for opportunities in your community where you can see the impact of your efforts.