It is inspiring to see Americans unite to help each other during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Here in Yankton, United Way has seen first-hand the enormous impact of volunteers as they join in unity to address food insecurity and other community needs during this uncertain time.
Two local residents, Loran and Delores Moores, have contributed their time, dollars and manpower to ensure the success of United Way’s Emergency Food Box Distribution program, providing families who are struggling to make ends meet, the opportunity to access much needed food.
According to Julie Dykstra, Community Impact Coordinator at United Way, “The Moores demonstrate greatness with open hearts and open minds. Throughout the Emergency Food Box Distribution, the Moores have been dedicated to helping United Way serve 500 families on a weekly basis with supplemental emergency food boxes. Due to the overwhelming food insecurities faced within the State of South Dakota, Feeding South Dakota's delivery drivers were needing assistance fulfilling the need. The Moores did not hesitate to take on the task of hauling a trailer to Sioux Falls to pick up food each week. Their commitment to feeding families exemplifies their commitment to making the greater Yankton community a better place for all.”
Loran and Delores were recently recognized for their dedication and passion to service through United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton’s June Volunteer of the Month Award.
We asked the couple to share more about their volunteer efforts.
Loran began volunteering after retirement in 2016 and Delores in 2017.
We have lived in the Yankton area since 1974.
We continue volunteering because we enjoy doing it and like the people we work with. We volunteer with The Center’s Meals on Wheels program and the clients really appreciate it. We always receive a “Thank you so much for doing this, stay well, and God Bless.”
Together we volunteer over 900 hours a year.
We volunteer for The Center doing Meals on Wheels, evening meals, and anything they need help with. We both help with United Way’s Emergency Food Box Distribution program and are active in United Ways’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, usher at plays, and help with Bingo at Beadle Elementary School. Loran does Bingo at The Center, serves meals at The Banquet, and carpentry and deliveries for Habitat for Humanity. Delores reads to the residents, help residents go on trips, and help with bingo at Majestic Bluffs. She also is a volunteer mentor with Kids Hope.
Volunteer work is enjoyable to us both because we like to help people and doing things to help the community is rewarding for both us and the community. Volunteering gives us an opportunity to meet new people and keep them active and healthy.
One of our best volunteer experiences is volunteering at The Banquet. We love seeing the smiles on the participants faces and knowing that they are getting a good nutritious meal that they may not otherwise receive.
The advice we would like to give to those thinking about volunteering in the community is get out there and volunteer if you have the extra time. It is very rewarding!
To nominate a Volunteer of the Month, email info@yanktonunitedway.org or call United Way of Greater Yankton at (605) 665-6766.
Comentários