One: How did you get involved with the One Initiative?
Mike: When I first started here, a couple of people that worked around me did some of the different events where they’d go to the schools. I had a day where I wasn’t doing anything, so I participated in one, and it was just a fun time. Going to the school where you’re building the bags and handing them out as the kids and parents came through was a lot of fun. Since then, I’ve gone and participated. Unfortunately, I’m not able to do it every month.
There are a lot of times when these come up that I just like to volunteer to do it. My daughter works here as well, so we carpool. So she goes with me to do these events.
One: Well, that’s fun. That’s really great! How have you seen other people be influenced by your service or by the things that you’re doing?
Mike: Any time you volunteer for an event and start talking about it a little bit, it does pique the interest of others. It’s an easy way to help give back to the community. So when I have been able to talk about it, others have said, “Well, how do I get involved?” I let them know it’s really simple. Just reply to that email Chelsea sends out looking for volunteers. That’s all you need to do. So as a result of that, I have seen others around me that have also gotten involved with it.
I’ll tell you, delivering those boxes is a lot of fun. The people that I’ve met doing it, are friendly; they’re appreciative. It is a great opportunity.
One: How would you say you’ve been influenced by serving others and seeing those different experiences?
Mike: I’ve been involved with Boy Scouts and different activities for many years. Anytime I have a chance to do something like this with the food bank, I see the benefit that it has in people’s lives, the immediate benefit. I always try to get involved when these things come up. It’s something that makes me feel good just to be able to go out and to participate. It also helps when there are food drives and opportunities like that. I’m not really good at organizing things myself, so it’s a great way for me to jump into what somebody else has already organized and put in place and just help distribute.
One: That kind of support is really helpful for people organizing that kind of thing. So I know that they appreciate your efforts in that way.
What experiences volunteering have stood out to you?
Mike: I would say the first time that I was able to volunteer stood out to me. We went to an elementary school, and just having the One Initiative truck out front definitely gives you a feeling of pride when you’re standing there as part of that group and seeing all the stuff that is brought in and how much. Knowing that all the work we do contributes to the One Initiative and that part of what I do throughout the day is helping to support this effort is amazing. Being able to see those food donations and help distribute them was fun. The group of coworkers I was with created a fun environment, and we were all able to participate and work together to help others in our community.
One: What would you say to somebody that is thinking about volunteering?
Mike: I have had that conversation before. It’s really simple, and that is what I tell them. It is an easy way to give back and an easy way to help others. Just reply to the email asking for volunteers. That is all you have to do.
It can make such a difference in your life and how you feel.
I look forward to continuing to do these events when I can. It feels kind of selfish to me sometimes because it makes me feel good. That’s why I started and why I continue to serve when these opportunities come up. It makes me feel better when I am contributing to the community and helping others.
The One Initiative unites C.R England and England Logistics in the fight to end childhood hunger. Learn more about work of the One Initiative at oneagainstchildhoodhunger.com.
