For Tori Shamblin (TS), the holidays are a time to recognize those who spend their celebrations protecting others. On her Day of Giving, she baked and delivered plates of homemade sweets to local first responders as a heartfelt thank you.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
TS: I made plates of Christmas sweets for all of our local first responders, county and city police, firefighters and EMS and delivered them to each one so they’d have goodies to snack on for the holiday weekend. Those on shift sacrificed time with their families to keep us safe!
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
TS: No, I try to do this for all of them every year as a thank you from the community.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
TS: None.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
TS: It makes me feel better knowing there’s still someone to call in the event that something happens or goes wrong, even on a major holiday. Those who volunteer to cover those shifts sacrifice time with their own families for our community.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
TS: I spent the day baking different kinds of cookies, making Rice Krispies, and also made brownies, but forgot to get a picture of those. I then put everything on plates and put them in baggies to keep them all fresh and delivered them to both the precincts and the local fire dept.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
TS: Helping in your community is very fulfilling, and even the simplest acts can make an impact.
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Tori’s tradition is a powerful reminder that gratitude in action goes a long way. A plate of cookies may seem small, but to someone working through the holidays, it means the world. To explore more stories like Tori’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.