Every two weeks, Engedi Church in Holland hosts Mobile Pantries for neighbors in need with lots of help from local families, many of whom have volunteered together for years.
Kids like Marina and Ariana—sisters who volunteer each month—love being able to help their neighbors.
“I enjoy helping everybody because you see other people’s real reactions to things,” said Ariana. “When you smile, it spreads to someone else. I’ll be giving someone lemonade and they’ll see my smile and say, ‘you really helped brighten up my day.’”
A moment that stands out to Marina was when the church hosted bingo before the Mobile Pantry and she helped a man who couldn’t speak English know which numbers were called.
Brothers Noah and Ehren are also regular volunteers at the Mobile Pantries.
“I like volunteering because you see people smile and you get to help people,” said Noah. “Volunteering helps support the community because maybe one day you might need help.”
Their father, Paul, brings his sons to volunteer because, he said, “It’s something good for them to see and be involved in. They look forward to it. I want to teach them early so this can be second nature.”
Robyn and her husband, Tyler—who volunteer even with two small children and a baby in tow—share Paul’s sentiment. They like the opportunity to teach their kids to volunteer from a young age.
“It gives them a different view of our community,” she said. “It gives us a tangible way to communicate that there are people in need who are just like us. It’s sparked a lot of good conversations in our house.”
Sign up to volunteer at the food bank to join these kids in the fight against hunger!