Over the last five years alone, volunteers have given almost 250,000 hours here in support of people with urgent financial needs. It’s a gift that exceeds $1 million in value annually. During National Volunteer Week, and throughout the year, we are grateful for the many caring individuals and groups who perform one-quarter of the work here at Crisis Assistance Ministry!
Nancy Sipe and Chris Watson Embody Mission and Ethic of Service
“I believe we are all here to help each other.” – Nancy Sipe
The words of volunteer Nancy Sipe sum up the motivation behind the thousands of volunteers who give time and energy to help our community through Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Chuck Barger Applies Retail Experience to Store Merchandising
Chuck Barger is a long time friend of Crisis Assistance Ministry and the families served here. When it came time to retire from his daily role at Common Market, he found a new way to use his retail skills, stocking Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store with donated items for individuals and families who shop here free-of-charge.
Ruth Ellen Connects Neighbors to Much Needed Benefits
A member of First Presbyterian Church and former employee of Bank of America, Ruth Ellen transitioned into the Benefits Access Counselor volunteer role almost two years ago. She is an extremely dedicated individual, supporting customers each week. Thus far, Ruth Ellen has worked over 125 hours, assessing customer needs and connecting each one with community resources for which they are eligible.
Piedmont Natural Gas Teams Up to Prepare Clothing and Household Goods for Free Store Shoppers
This team from Piedmont Natural Gas is among thousands who give their time to inspect, prepare, hang and shelve donated goods to ensure more than 80 families each day find essentials. Because shoppers are able to find shoes, clothing, and household goods free-of-charge, they are able to redirect their limited resources to other priorities like food and shelter.
Ruby’s Enthusiastic Spirit Ensures Families Find Needed Household Items
Ruby Laws began volunteering a little over a year ago helping to prepare donated goods for families who shop here free-of-charge. She comes in faithfully every Tuesday and Thursday with her companion. Ruby comes in each day with an enthusiastic, determined spirit, eager to learn and excel at all tasks within this area of the agency.
Collins Family Brings Breakfast and Hope to Waiting Families
The Collins family purchased and distributed sausage biscuits, fruit, juice, and water to waiting families. For many families who arrive hoping for a miracle, breakfast is the last thing on their minds as they head out the door. Volunteers fill that crucial gap.
Thank You to the Girl Scouts
These fabulous Girl Scouts baked muffins to share with waiting families then spent their Saturday morning passing them out along with bottled water. Next, they stepped into our warehouse and worked to inspect and prepare donated clothing for families who shop here free-of-charge.