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MESSAGE FROM A HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER

I have always enjoyed helping others out in any way possible. When I first began to volunteer, I researched many ways that I could give back to my community and one that really stuck out to me was my local food pantry. The Louisville Community Cupboard held at St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church has really made a huge impact on my life. I started volunteering there in the summer of 2019,  every first and third Thursday of the month. I help load up community members’ carts with their grocery items. Once they are finished picking out what they like, I then help them load it into their cars, so they can be on their way. 

I have met many wonderful people during my time volunteering. The volunteers are very welcoming, and I love their unique personalities. They make sure the participants are supplied with items they need, such as food, laundry detergent, and toilet paper. They also provide snacks for the other volunteers in case anyone gets hungry during the duration of the service. One day it was snowing really hard and I had forgotten my gloves. Before I could even ask anyone if they had a spare, someone was already handing me a pair, which was a true lifesaver. That very moment showed me just how much they care about their volunteers and the people in the community. 

One of the volunteers, Debbie, and I make it our mission to make sure the members aren’t limited to certain food items they may not want to take home. Debbie set up a table with a variety of canned goods, so the community members could choose what they like and have an option in what items they take home. We set up a little competition to see if we can clean off the table by the end of the night. That is our way of making sure that a lot of food is being taken home.        

I really enjoy the role I play, during this service, of being a “runner” because I can use my youth and skills to help those with tasks they can’t always complete on their own. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference in many of their lives. They often thank me for being there to help, because without youth volunteers there isn’t anyone to help them carry. For the older members, especially, carrying their groceries can be painful and tiring.  Also, many of them walk in after a long day of work and just need a little extra help to finish their day.

Volunteering at the community cupboard has also made me realize that many people won’t reach out for help because they don’t want to let others know they are struggling. One day while I was at the church, a man walked in and collected his groceries, but didn’t want any help carrying them. If a few people don’t need help carrying, we let them go ahead, and continue on to the next person. However, after the man had left I walked out with another member to start loading their car, and I saw the man standing outside the building. It had been raining the whole time the pantry was open, and this older gentleman was standing in the rain with all his groceries. We invited him into the building where it was warm and dry, where he explained that he didn’t want to be in the way and was only waiting on his ride. That moment has stuck with me because no one should have to stand in the rain because they don’t have access to a car. It really has humbled me to understand that I’m really fortunate for the life I have and that I should never take it for granted.

This service is such an amazing experience for many people of all ages. It gives you an inside look into the lives of those who can’t afford necessities in your community. Many people are forced to live without, but make the most of everything they have and are grateful for community cupboards that give them a boost to get by. I’m so thankful that my community provides such a wonderful service, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help out. They inspire me to enjoy the little things in life, and not to focus on problems I can’t control. 

Thank You       You made the difference!!!!

The Louisville Community Cupboard Trustees and volunteers would like to thank all of you for your monetary donations large or small during 2022.  Your generosity gave us the means to make purchases which were necessary in order to take the place of food drives.  You have helped us serve up to 150 families and provide hope each month to those who struggled daily with food insecurities and job loss during this challenging year.  Because of you, we were able to remain open all during COVID, while retaining a SAFE environment.

With Appreciation,
Sally Samblanet - Director

Our Mission

To offer grocery items to community members who are unable to provide for themselves and their families during critical periods of need. The Louisville Community Cupboard is committed to the belief that neighbors should help neighbors.

Contact Us

Mailing address

Louisville Community Cupboard
PO Box 84
Louisville, Ohio 44641

PHONE

(330) 704-7418
(330) 705-4099