Nineteen volunteers including associates, family members, and friends faced a daunting task when they saw the 38 pallets piled chest high with boxes of food. Opening each box brought new surprises. One box could hold such precious, but diverse, items, as canned vegetables, cereal, hamburger helper, chili, cat food, and snack bars. The team’s job was to take this treasure and sort it into huge bins labeled “Dry Meals”, “Protein”, “Baby Products”, and so forth. One volunteer said, “I was amazed that people donated things we might not think of because we take them for granted – things like charcoal, pet food, and light bulbs.”
“When I saw all those boxes of food waiting for us, I thought ‘No way we’re going to get all this done’,” said Steve Wilton, Content Coordinator for Advice, “but everyone chipped in and got focused and the two hours just flew by.”
The key was teamwork, according to Steve. “Everyone worked together. If I was carrying cans of dog food to a bin and saw someone with a can of pet food, I’d offer to take it for them. We learned from each other on how to work faster – when I saw someone using a faster method to get items to the bins, I copied it.”
Sitarama Chowdary Marni, Lead Software Engineer, found it was a great activity to share with his eleven-year-old daughter. “Harvesters is so well-organized that they make it easy for kids… and adults.”
It was also an introduction to the community we will find downtown. Steve says, “I met people from other buildings I’ve never seen. Soon we’ll all be together at H&R Block Center and I’ll see them again and now I’ll know who they are.”
Paula Panarisi, Administrative Assistant IV, coordinated the event speaks for the other volunteers when she says she was drawn to help Harvesters help others. “I know someone who uses Harvesters services, so I’ve seen the results. It means a lot to see an empty pantry packed full by Harvesters with donations from us and others.” That’s the best treasure of all.
Copyright © 2006 by Terry Matz. Please do not reprint without permission.
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