Every month the HCC highlights a special volunteer. This month Lauren Sullivan and her 5-year-old son Graham, who is a Serving SPROUT, tell us why they choose to volunteer monthly at HCC Phoenix.
Lauren started volunteering at the HCC Phoenix in 2016 after her good friend and mentor Susan invited her to come along and serve with her one Wednesday morning. Lauren was hooked from the first time serving and has enjoyed getting her family involved with the HCC over the last two years. Lauren and her son have volunteered during weekday shifts helping HCC guests shop for food and clothing and has volunteered on Thursdays helping sort and wash donations. To engage her son their family became a member of HCC’s Serving SPROUTS program where her son earns money each month to feed kids in their community. Lauren and her kids also help with the HCC’s food rescue pick ups from local restaurants like Fleming’s Steakhouse.
When the HCC asked Lauren, what is your favorite part of serving at the HCC Phoenix, her reply was, “The people! Interacting with the clients, especially the children, is so heartwarming. I always leave feeling inspired by the work HCC is doing and I am so appreciative of everyone who works and volunteers with this amazing organization.”
The HCC also asked Lauren how would you encourage others to get involved with their local community? Lauren replied, “If you have a heart for serving but don’t know where to start, ask yourself what you’re passionate about. If it’s feeding and clothing those in need, HCC is your place! If it’s animals, reach out to your local Humane Society. If it’s literacy, contact your library. The possibilities to give back our time are endless. Find something that your heart beats for and seek opportunities in that area.”
The HCC believes in teaching the younger generation the importance of service. Lauren has seen this important seed planted in her children’s lives. “The biggest change I love seeing is how excited my kids are to serve others. My oldest is always asking if it is Wednesday, our day to pick up food from a local restaurant and drop off at HCC. I pray each morning that God would place service on the hearts of my kids and that He would continue to put people and organizations in my life that I can serve with purpose.”
Interested in Volunteering at our Phoenix or Maryvale location? Please contact Adrie Olson at aolson@msfcares.org.
