Let’s talk about Tuesday travels with Jim! In less than one year, he served nearly 350 hours of his time delivering Hunger Relief meals to our partner agencies. His tenacity towards ensuring that every meal is delivered with the utmost care and that no volunteer shift goes unfilled makes him a frequent hero around these parts. For those who’ve had the pleasure of riding along with Jim on a route or two, we think you will agree that his heart for service is contagious.
Jim discovered Second Helpings while on a leisurely stroll down Georgia Street during a community volunteer fair. Our volunteers and staff were so excited and enthusiastic about our mission, that he decided to see what all the fuss was about. Upon retirement, he attended a Volunteer Orientation and has been hooked ever since. Volunteering to deliver meals multiple days each week and helping out during special events, Jim is one we can always count on to come through in the clutch.
Why does Jim #FeedIndy?
“The staff and volunteers are always friendly and so willing to help. I have always been impressed by the organization behind the volunteer tasks. In addition, the drivers and driver companions meet the people who receive the deliveries, and who often pass on a word of thanks. Even though we are the ones who hear those words, we are just the folks at the end of the process. Those thanks are really for the entire organization. It makes me very proud to know that the effort of Second Helpings is recognized and appreciated.”
In addition to dedicating his time to Second Helpings, one of Jim’s previous volunteer gigs was an Exhibit Interpreter at the Indianapolis Zoo where he often had the opportunity to feed penguins and baby walruses. Last summer, he volunteered to walk dogs at the Humane Society, and he has volunteered for the fan exhibition at the MLB All Star Game in Cleveland. Colts fans might also recognize him from his paid gig as an usher/parking shuttle conductor at Lucas Oil Stadium. One thing is for sure, he definitely knows how to make productive use of his time. Feeding penguins and baby walruses?? Well done, Jim!
One might ask, what sort of career did such a remarkable man pursue? He served in communications for the US Air Force, which allowed him to live in southern Italy and work for a communication/radio site on top of a mountain. Speaking of mountains, his office was actually INSIDE of one for about a year when he worked for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado. He says that we should all picture Matthew Broderick in the film WarGames. Did we also mention that he has quite the wit?
Wow, we certainly did get lucky with this guy! Thank you, Jim, for your willingness to always pitch in whenever and wherever needed. We are truly grateful for your dedication towards the mission of Second Helpings.