For Tamika Jones (TJ), giving back is a lifestyle. She dedicated her Day of Giving to an outreach event with Hoodies and Healing, where she helped serve meals and assemble care packages for people experiencing homelessness.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
TJ: I volunteered at Hoodies and Healing.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
TJ: Significant events focused on providing meals and hygiene care to individuals experiencing homelessness, bringing our community together to offer support and assistance.
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
TJ: I volunteer at least six times a year. Additionally, my church sponsors and makes monetary contributions to support the cause.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
TJ: Everyone is encouraged to participate and assist. There are many opportunities available, including cooking, cleaning, serving, engaging in conversation with those in need, and other related activities.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
TJ: I typically volunteer regularly, but this year I chose to dedicate my day of service to a day after Christmas. Given that this has been a challenging year for many, I wanted to help bring some joy and a smile to people’s faces during the holiday season.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
TJ: I enjoyed serving the food and assembling the gift bags. Additionally, I contributed to the cleanup process once the event concluded.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
TJ: It is truly rewarding to give back when you are fortunate. The sense of fulfillment that comes from assisting others in need is difficult to put into words, but definitely warms the heart.
AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
TJ: The attendance exceeded expectations. We received numerous donations, including food and clothing.
Tamika’s consistent service and heartfelt dedication reflect the true spirit of community. Her story encourages us to show up with compassion, especially when it’s needed most. To explore more stories like Tamika’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.