June Volunteer of the Month

We are excited to introduce Nanci P., our June Volunteer of the Month. Nanci volunteers as an Aging Care and Connections Pantry food delivery driver and Kosher Meals on Wheels Substitute driver, she works hard to bring the much-needed food to older and disabled adults in the community—showing a deep commitment to the values of Tikun Olam, making the work a better place. 

Staff members Hannah K. and Julie H. share:

“We nominate Nanci P. for Volunteer of the Month. Nanci shows up to volunteer consistently with the compassion and empathy it takes to meet clients’ needs. She regularly demonstrates the commitment and positive attitude needed to support older adults in the community. In her role as an Aging Care and Connections Pantry food delivery driver and Kosher Meals on Wheels Substitute driver, she works hard to bring the much-needed food to older and disabled adults in the community—showing a deep commitment to the values of Tikun Olam, making the work a better place. She is selfless in that she responds to urgent requests, sometimes at the last minute, to deliver kosher meals and pantry groceries. Her impact is far-reaching and sustains not only JFS, but the entire Denver area community, and benefits each individual clients’ health and well-being. To Nanci, it’s not just about the food being delivered, it’s the connection with others that contributes to decreasing their isolation and loneliness. Nanci’s contributions have truly made a difference, and we are extremely grateful to her for her time and energy.”

“Nanci P. is an amazing volunteer! She is always willing to help at the last minute!  She has great communication so even if she cannot help, she lets us know. She is flexible and willing to adjust at the last minute. She has come to JFS a couple of times on a Monday thinking she is delivering food pantry boxes, but we asked her if she could deliver Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) instead and she was willing! She cares a lot about the clients.  She knows some of the clients well on the food pantry delivery routes and is able to help in a variety of situations. If she sees something that is not quite right, she calls to let us know about her concern for the client.  She is amazing!”

Read more about Nanci's volunteer impact below: 

Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.

NP: I was a stay at home mom of 3 kids until the pandemic. At that time my youngest was a junior in high school. I decided I needed to find a way to give back and connect with the community. I had previously volunteered with my kids at JFS during religious school so I was familiar with JFS and the services they provided. I started working in the food pantry, first helping with the drive through pantry then doing cart duty and working in the parking lot once the pantry opened back up in person.  I really enjoyed meeting the clients and assisting them in the process. Eventually I started delivering food boxes. I found this really rewarding as the clients were all very grateful to receive the food. I enjoy driving around town and meeting different people and have found several clients that are regulars that I chat with and know more personally. At one point I was asked if I could become a substitute driver for KMOW, I said of course!  I got to know many of those clients on the different routes as well. I have found working at JFS very rewarding. I now have a part time job in an orthopedic office but when they hired me I told them I needed to still be able to make my deliveries. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work with JFS as it makes me feel like I am giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?

NP: I currently deliver food boxes and am a substitute driver for KMOW. I used to work the parking lot and did cart duty. I also helped with the drive through pantry. During the pandemic I also helped deliver the kosher meals that used to be served at the JCC.

Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS?

NP: I was looking for more purpose as my kids got older. I volunteered with them at JFS when they were in religious school so it was a good fit. I have been volunteering for 5 years.

Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?

NP: I love the clients. Everyone is so kind and grateful. I have several that I know more personally and I enjoy talking with them. I like being able to help them solve a problem or just being someone they can interact with.

Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share? If so, please share below.

NP: My dad who died last year with Alzheimer’s used to ride with me while I made my deliveries. We both looked forward to the time together. He would often say a neighborhood looked familiar, even though he had never been there. He really liked it when we picked up food at the JCC as he used to play tennis there or when we would drive by East High School. My deliveries gave us quality time together doing good for others.

Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?

NP: Volunteering does more for you than it does for the clients, and it does a lot for them. There are lots of ways to make a difference so find a position that feels good for you.

Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.