NOVEMBER 21, 2017
Lauren Granado, Web & Digital Media Coordinator

“I was looking for a place where I could take my small children and get them involved in the community and help others to let them know that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.”

During the holiday and summer breaks, Jennifer, an educator, and her family make it a tradition to volunteer at West Avenue Compassion, a partner agency of the San Antonio Food Bank.

“I was looking for a place where I could take my small children and get them involved in the community and help others to let them know that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.”

Introduced to the food pantry through her best friend back in 2004, Jennifer, her 13-year-old daughter Sophia, and her 9-year-old son Nikolas serve their community whenever they can.

“There is something for all ages to do,” says Sophia, who often helps with carrying food to client’s cars. In the past, Sophia has even invited friends from her school to join her. “It’s a nice way to get together and hang out while helping.”

“Yea, it’s really fun,” shares Nikolas, whose first experience volunteering with the food pantry was counting milk cartons at the age of four. “Like me, I can’t carry a bunch of heavy things. But there are boxes and I like to destroy them,” he chuckles. “I get to break down boxes and put them in a HUGE crate… It’s very therapeutic!”

This year, Jennifer sent out an e-mail inviting families of students that she teaches to join and serve.

“I shared that it’s Thanksgiving. We have an entire week off. If you have the time to come out and volunteer and give back to the community in some way, just come and join us,” she says. “We have 3 families who responded and showed up today!”

During this morning volunteer shift, individuals and groups were busy bagging holiday meal essentials including frozen turkeys, ham, stuffing, eggs, and produce.

“We even came yesterday to get ahead,” Jennifer shared. “We bagged dry good items including stuffing, potatoes, gravy, cans of corn, and green beans.”

With the help of volunteers, over 100 individuals and families were served with ingredients necessary for a fulfilling Thanksgiving meal.

Thank you to Jennifer, Sophia, Nikolas and to all the volunteers and groups that donate their time and effort into fighting hunger during the holiday season.