It is with great pleasure and joy that I present to you Second Helpings’ September Volunteer of the Month, Mercedes Plant!
She started volunteering with Second Helpings last fall, and has already served more than 60 shifts, sharing more than 190 hours in the Hunger Relief kitchen. As a tilt operator, she helps cook up delicious dishes for our community partners. Thank you for all you do to feed Indy, Mercedes!
Learn a little more about Mercedes in her own words below.
How did you become involved at Second Helpings?
Once I retired, I started working a few hours a week at a great Broad Ripple boutique by the name of Marigold (do check it out if you have never been there) and they are huge supporters of Second Helpings. Through Marigold I met the ‘FAMOUS’ Nora Spitznogle, who has been friends with the owner of Marigold since they were in college and works there one Saturday per month. Through Nora, I learned how well organized Second Helpings is. I’d volunteered at other places before but I felt I spent too much time waiting instead of working.
What types of things have you done since you began volunteering with us?
I have done a few things as needed, but my main role is Tilt Operator, which I love. It is a very physical job so the days I work at Second Helpings I don’t have to exercise; and I sleep soundly.
What have you liked best about volunteering at Second Helpings?
The professionalism of all the parties. When the volunteers arrive, they are put to work immediately with a clear function. I am a results-driven individual and as such a finished tilt gives me great pleasure. The other aspect I love is how much appreciation is shown to all volunteers. As I have told the kitchen staff before, only my dog receives me with the same level of enthusiasm upon my arrival.
What are you most proud of accomplishing through your volunteer work here?
A finished tilt, which represents 600 meals, gives me great pleasure. But the whole mission of the organization is worth my time and effort, and I am grateful to be part of the whole.
What do you do when your not volunteering with us?
I love to read, bike, exercise, and dance. My husband and I bike the Monon Trail almost daily, weather permitting. My girlfriends are a huge and important part of my life, so, we exercise together for health and for the social and emotional component. My professional career required much international travel, for which I am thankful, but now I only like to travel to New York where my son lives.
Do you volunteer for any other organization?
I volunteer for the Broad Ripple Village Association. I do the Broad Ripple clean up every month.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
You would be surprised to know that I don’t like to cook (quite an irony that I love it at Second Helpings). My husband and I moved to Broad Ripple four years ago to walk to the restaurants. Also, everyone knows me as Mercedes, but my real name is Maria Mercedes. Mercedes is a Spanish name that comes from Our Lady of Mercy (Merced in Spanish). The German car was named after a woman, not the other way around!!! I always feel I need to explain my name!!!