This Volunteer Won't Let Anyone Go Hungry in the Lower East Side

Mar 25

Martin has been a volunteer at UJC for 5 years. He packs, delivers, and distributes meals as a Food Pantry & Delivery Volunteer, and Meal Distribution Volunteer. His advice for someone who’s interested in volunteering? “Try it once and see how it goes. You’re going to get such pleasure out of it.”

UJC relies on volunteers to support our programs, especially during the challenging times related to the pandemic. Food pantries and meal programs have transitioned to home deliveries and limited pick-ups on site.

Martin started off serving lunches several times a week at UJC’s Adult Luncheon Club and has continued giving his time for the past five years. Now that clients can’t come inside to receive meals, one way he continues to help is by handing out meals at an outdoor distribution.

UJC’s dedicated Meal Distribution Volunteers who support the distribution offer to volunteer no matter the weather, even when temperatures have been below 0°. Martin does not mind the weather conditions, and says that being outside and handing meals to clients has become his favorite part of the day. “I love being out there and handing out food. It’s a good feeling to be able to help, especially during the pandemic.”

Volunteers Are Crucial to Supporting UJC in Our Vital Work

Martin is happy to help any way he can. From packing meals and supporting the food pantry by delivering meals to clients who are unable to get out of their homes, he’s willing to do it all.

And often he’s working with other volunteers from the community. One group of volunteers inspires him often. “There is a group of individuals with disabilities who volunteer regularly and it’s such a pleasure to see them. It’s incredible – they are happy, joyful, curious and they show a genuine spirit of giving that we can all learn from.”

“Our team is like family and the volunteers who work with us are part of our family” says Dana Donati, Manager of Volunteer Services at UJC. Dana credits volunteers for really stepping up during the pandemic. “As the pandemic continues, seniors and the community face new and ongoing challenges. Now more than ever, volunteers are crucial to supporting UJC in our vital work.”

Current opportunities to give back include food pantry assistance and meal delivery assistance. If you’re interested in giving back through volunteerism, please reach out to volunteer@ujces.org For additional details, click here.