Our newest Volunteer of the Month is Elizabeth Markert! Elizabeth has been an amazing addition to our Tuesday night volunteer family, she has a big heart and cares for the mission here at Second Helpings. She has led our family groups as well as serving at some of our fundraisers, recently at Tonic Ball. Thank you Elizabeth for all you do to support the mission here at Second Helpings.

Learn more about Elizabeth in her own words below.

How did you become involved with Second Helpings?

When I moved to Indianapolis I wanted to stay involved in helping my community through hunger relief (I was involved back home in Louisville, Kentucky). I Googled Indianapolis hunger relief and Second Helpings was the first organization to come up on the search!

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

I typically chop vegetables, sometimes I pan wrap or fill meal containers. I also help show kids who come in to help or learn about Second Helpings what we do. The best days are the days I get to identify the mystery food donations!

What have you liked best about volunteering with us?

The people at Second Helpings really feel like family to me. I moved to Indy during COVID-19 in 2020 so it was very hard to make friends at first. Without Second Helpings friends I might have come out of the pandemic a crazy hermit! I like being able to give back to my community—I feel like it’s my responsibility as a good citizen to help others, and Second Helpings makes that possible.

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

I am most proud of becoming volunteer of the month!

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

I work for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (I’m a state employee) as an environmental engineer. On weekends I like to hike, read, write to my pen pals, try new restaurants in my neighborhood, and spend time with my pet Pitbull-mix Juniper.

Do you volunteer for any other organization?

I volunteered for Olmsted Parks Conservancy in Louisville, Kentucky. I was a member of Engineers Without Borders in college.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I was a carpenter for eight years.