This month the HCC Phoenix would like to show our appreciation to Laura Mancuso who has been volunteering at the center of close to 2 years. Laura, a busy wife, mom, and business owner of Bicycles of Phoenix, has sacrificially donated her time to serve her neighbors at the HCC monthly. Laura has literally done it all! She’s been a food shopper, a clothing shopper, helped with our Backpack and Christmas Outreach drives, served at our Open Houses giving tours, and been floor manager during shifts, as well as, ran the computer for guest check-in. Laura is an all-in, team player, someone who stays busy from opening to closing!
“My favorite part of volunteering at the HCC is the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone serving HCC guests, also the amazing camaraderie and friendships I’ve made while serving is something I treasure!” replied Laura.
Laura in all honestly was hesitant to begin volunteering at first, however, when she searched the Bible she was reminded how Christ laid down his own life for us, she knew the importance of serving others must be a priority in her life and not something she would eventually get around to. Laura went on to say, “We are blessed to be living in this generation, residing in beautiful Arizona, a place where we can worship freely without the risk of torture or death for being a Christian. True, most of us are not at risk of being burned at the stake, stoned, being fed to the lions, or hung on a cross. However, to many of us, the idea of sacrificing our TIME, which, if you are like me, is my most precious commodity, sounds a bit like torture. In fact, for many of us, if asked if we’d prefer to give of our time and energy or be fed to the lions, our first question might be, “How big is the lion?” Ephesians 5:8-16 “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.” When we wake up from our old, tired ways and rise to the calling of Christ, suddenly our world, and the world of those around us shines bright! People start noticing a change in you, and when you tell them that you are serving at the Compassion Center or in any capacity, Christ’s love is being reflected.”
Laura has truly exemplified the true meaning of servanthood and she has been rewarded with new, wonderful friends who she now shares a common bond with. She found the HCC Phoenix, a place where she can truly make a difference, something she never knew she was missing until she said yes!
“I am truly blessed by the stories and smiles that are exchanged each time I volunteer my time at the HCC,” added Laura.
All of us at the HCC Phoenix would like to extend our sincere thankfulness for Laura’s continued partnership serving those in need. To find out more information on how you can volunteer please contact Adrie Olson at aolson@msfcares.org.