We met with Penny Ashley (PA)’s volunteer journey with the BROC organization showcases her dedication to assisting those in need within the Wilkes community. By contributing her time to various initiatives, Penny ensures that families receive essential support, from food to holiday gifts.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
PA: I volunteered with the BROC organization.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
PA: BROC assists members of the Wilkes community in multiple ways. They provide food boxes and meals to families in need, they assist families with Christmas gifts, and they have a yard sale where everything is .25 cents. They also assist with utilities assistance and clothes.
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
PA: No, this is not my first time volunteering with BROC. I volunteer multiple times throughout the year. I help sort their pantry room, I assist with loading cars with food items, I have assisted with yard sales and with the Christmas organization.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
PA: There are no requirements for volunteering. We contact the local office and see if there are any events going on or if they need any assistance and we volunteer for that day or any other day available.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
PA: I have volunteered with this organization for years. When I first moved to Wilkes, I was in between jobs and needed some assistance with food. I went to the food bank at BROC, and found this great organization who went above and beyond to help me and my children. I felt so welcome and I could see the joy this group got from helping. They also informed me of other resources they help with.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
PA: I love volunteering and helping those in need. I assisted with delivering meals to homes and assisted with loading cars with food as well. The member calls ahead and advises of the amount of people in the home. We then pack the boxes with food from the pantry and freezers. They then pull up at their appointment time, and we load the car with their boxes. My kids also volunteer with me, I love this organization and the fact that they let my children take part and experience helping others, makes me adore them even more. They’re an mazing group of people!
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
PA: Taking the time out of our busy day to help others who are going through a hard time and have turned to us for help speaks volumes, it gives us a level of gratitude for the things that we take for granted each day.
AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
PA: Thank you for doing this. This organization allows your children to come in and volunteer with you, my kids love to volunteer. There are so many in our community who need help, when you volunteer it helps the organization to keep going. I truly enjoy helping those in need. The relief on the parent’s face when they get their boxes of food is worth it
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Penny’s unwavering commitment to BROC underscores the importance of community-based volunteerism in providing hope and relief. Her story is a testament to the power of giving back. Explore more stories of inspiration in the Inspiring Forward series https://activusconnect.com/inspiring-forward.