“When you are in a community, you need to give back. I thought Multi-Service Center was a good place to give back to the community and I was right,” shares Karen DelGrosso when asked about why she volunteers with Multi-Service Center (MSC).
For almost thirteen years, Karen has volunteered in the food bank at MSC. She started out on the line handing out food, sorting food, and filling bags for the homeless. Then, there was an opening for a check-in volunteer, and Karen saw it as an opportunity to get to know the customers at the food bank. She’s watched kids grow up over the years and feels connected to many of the families.
It can be difficult when customers have mental health or substance abuse issues that prevent them from wanting the help that Karen is trying to provide or communicating with customers who don’t speak or understand English. However, Karen finds a way to make it work and the majority of the customers hold a special place in her heart. “You can’t relate to everyone, but you get so much more back than what you give, it’s a joy” she shares.
Karen will be moving out of state soon, and while we wish her the best we also will be missing her greatly. Volunteers, like Karen, are always needed in the food bank. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, please email [email protected] or call 253.835.7678, ext. 105.
