Page 23 - 2021-Donor-Impact-Report
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VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
Jen & Carolyn (left & middle), along with their friend - Jen (right), come in every Thursday to spend their day making sure the clothing pantry is organized for veteran shoppers.
SISTERS VOLUNTEER
IN HONOR OF KOREAN
WAR VETERAN FATHER
When deciding where to volunteer, sisters Jen and Carolyn knew they wanted to volunteer at a veterans organization. Carolyn looked through an e-mail that listed volunteer opportunities, and one organization caught her eye: Helping Veterans And Families.
“We looked in particular to volunteer for something that meant something to us,” Jen said. “And one that resonated with our history and to honor our father.”
Jen and Carolyn’s father – Army veteran Jack Grams – fought on the front lines of the Korean War. “He was our hero,” Jen said. “A king among men, a great husband and the best father.”
After coming to HVAF to learn more, they decided to come in once per week to organize the clothes in the basement. Their friend, also named Jen, wanted to help as well – and joins them each week. Due to COVID-19 – volunteers were cut for months, but donations kept flooding in. This led to lots of clothes piling up everywhere.
“Not many people would walk down here and be excited about the job – but we were!” Jen said. “Because we are really into organizing. We like to do that for fun.”
Their goal was to make the basement so organized to where a HVAF employee or volunteer can come down and easily grab what a veteran needs. After a few months, we could already tell a HUGE difference in the basement thanks to their hard work!
“Since day one, Jen and Carolyn (and their friend – Jen), have been some of the most enthusiastic volunteers we have here at HVAF,” HVAF’s Volunteer Coordinator said. “We are so thankful for their hard work and dedication not just to the basement – but to HVAF’s cause.”
Carolyn said she thinks their father would cry knowing they volunteer at a veterans organization.
“His service meant a great deal to him,” Carolyn said. “So he would be touched and proud.”
In 2022, they have continued volunteering each Thursday, as they were instrumental in reopening the clothing pantry to in-person shopping. “We are happy to be here,” Carolyn said. “Whoever is interested – you should come and volunteer here because it’s great.”
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT HVAF?
23 | HVAF
E-MAIL US: Volunteer@HVAF.org