Working Together to Give Back
Ray and Beth have been involved in FROM since the very beginning in 1998. Ray helped establish FROM and served on the board for several years. Beth became involved by volunteering in various roles.
Now, Ray and Beth volunteer in the food pantry, spending their Tuesdays sorting donations, stocking shelves, and forming relationships with the participants who stop in.
“We enjoy doing this,” said Beth. “It gives us a lot of satisfaction to help other people.”
Kelly Glas, FROM Healthy Food Program Coordinator, enjoys working alongside Ray and Beth.
“Ray and Beth are consistent, hardworking and really understand the mission here at FROM,” she said. “They’re always willing to go the extra mile to, sign up for extra shifts, and simply being a smiling face to those around them.”
Both Ray and Beth also help in other programs such as the Christmas distribution when they are needed.
“They go above and beyond in volunteering,” Monica Light, Program Manager, said. “Not just through FROM but within the community. They are truly selfless people that will help because it’s the right thing to do.”
The retirees spend time on their hobbies such as gardening in their yard, learning to paint at LowellArts, or staying involved in their church.
The extra time has also allowed them to enjoy their time volunteering at FROM and spending time with their friends. They have formed many memories while creating friendships with both participants and fellow volunteers.
“It’s like visiting our family once a week,” Beth said about her volunteer experience.
Between the two of them, they’ve given nearly 3,000 hours of time to the community through their volunteering at FROM. We are so thankful for them and the incredible impact they make in the community.