With great pleasure, I give you Robin Uhrig, our Volunteer of the Month for December 2023. Robin has been a fantastic addition to our family of volunteers, especially the tilt family, where she gets to create delicious meals that we serve to our community partners. Her smile and care for the work we do is evident in her service. I am so fortunate to spend time with Robin whenever she is here, and I love hearing stories about her mom. Please help me congratulate Robin!

Learn more about Robin in her own words below.

How did you become involved with Second Helpings?

I became involved because at the time I felt like I needed to be more involved in something. I hate food waste and I saw an ad for Second Helpings and was intrigued.

What things have you done since you began volunteering with us?

I have, of course, chopped veggies, assembled and covered pans, cooked meats, even did some organizing in the cage. I’m sure I have forgotten many things I have done. When we were working out of the Fairgrounds I ran the dish room some days. But mostly I have worked the tilts.

What have you liked best about volunteering with us?

I love the relationships I have made and everyone’s passion for the service we provide. We are bonded by our desire to rescue and provide meals for those in need. I have also met some fascinating people who have passed through on staff.

What are you most proud of accomplishing through your volunteer work here?

I am very proud of the time I worked through the pandemic. It was a interesting period with a small staff and new rules but I felt proud to have been able to contribute.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering with us?

Currently I am spending a lot of time taking care of my 93 year-old mother. Time I value and love, but I always love to garden and host parties and neighborhood gatherings. Of course, I love to cook and like to try new recipes and I can honestly say Second Helpings has really improved my cooking skills. But my real passion, which I do not get to do as much as I would like, is sewing. I do garments, quilts, crafts, costumes and anything in between.

Do you volunteer for any other organization?

I have volunteered at Booth Tarkington Civic Theater since 2007. I work in the costume department sewing costumes. In 2012 I costumed the holiday show “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” while the costumer was on medical leave. I also costumed the children’s show “Willie Wonka.” I have been able to create some of my dream costumes: the Lion, Dorothy and many Ozians and Munchkins, Glenda, Joseph’s Dreamcoat (twice) and many other period and magical creations.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know that I have run 5 full Marathons! It sure surprises me.