October 2016 Volunteer of the Month – Congrats Scott W!

We’re excited to announce that our October Volunteer of the Month is Scott W.  Scott has been volunteering with his students at Community Harvest for 8 years.  As a teacher, Scott’s program focuses on traditional academics in the morning and provides opportunities for students to gain valuable work skills each afternoon.  Scott and his students help out in all areas of our daily operations from stocking shelves to preserving produce.  When asked about Scott’s commitment to volunteering, Jonta Powell (CHFB Employee), stated that “A lot of times we can call Scott with one day’s notice and he will bring a group right in and get straight to work.  This helps out so much because a lot of times we need Scott to come in with all hands on deck to help us get the work done that we can’t finish by ourselves.”

When we asked about the impact volunteering has on his life, Scott shared that, through childhood experiences, he was personally grateful for the resources that organizations like Community Harvest provide. He also encourages the community to take advantage of volunteer opportunities.

Thank you to Scott and his students for their continuous hard work and dedication to our mission!

Full Interview:

Rachel: How long have you been volunteering with Community Harvest?

Scott: 8 years, I’ve been bringing students to Community Harvest.

Rachel: What exactly do you do when you come to volunteer?

Scott:  Whatever needs done. We do a lot of service with Jonta in the back, we do a lot with Hicham in the Cupboard, we have helped in SeniorPak before, but now we have also come out to the North building to do the blanching. So really I’m just trying to show my guys all of the different areas that they can get help and find employment with.

Rachel: Can you talk about your “guys” a little bit?  What is your job?

Scott:  I am a teacher for East Allen County Schools and in my program students learn academics and then in the afternoon they go out and learn employable skills that they are able to get a job with.  They gain experience through volunteer work, and then they have the option of showing that experience so that they can get a job because you can’t get a job unless you have that experience.

Rachel: Do you have any really fond memories of volunteering or anything that has really made an impact on you?

Scott:  I enjoy coming because if it weren’t for places such as Community Harvest, I myself would’ve went hungry a lot as a kid. So I enjoy coming so that other people get a meal that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Rachel: Any other things you would like to share?

Scott: More people should take advantage of going and doing volunteer work to gain work experience because you guys (Community Harvest) are open and welcoming to anyone and everyone.

Rachel: So Jonta, how long have you known Scott?

Jonta: Three years.

Rachel: What do Scott and his guys do for you?

Jonta: The guys help in reclamation to sort food and look for product that shouldn’t be given out in the community. Lately, the have been helping preserve and bag produce at our north facility.

Rachel:  What do you think the boys gain from the experience of coming here?

Jonta: They experience activities that they can do to keep their mind focused on bettering the futures.

Rachel: How important is the work that Scott and his guys do for Community Harvest?

Jonta: It is very important. A lot of times we can call Scott with one day’s notice and he will bring a group right in and get straight to work.  This helps out so much because a lot of times we need Scott to come in with all hands on deck to help us get the work done that we can’t finish by ourselves.