Making Volunteering a Regular Tradition

Sheree and Serena have volunteered for The Salvation Army’s Community Feeding Program in Bermuda for the past three years.

Initially, they started helping as a way for Serena to complete the community hours she was required to meet for middle school. However, their passion for volunteering took over and they continued to assist the feeding program every other Saturday.

“I just think it was a good thing to do. You get to see different people come in with a smile. They feel thankful that they are getting some food,” Serena said.

While this is Serena’s first experience volunteering, Sheree has volunteered over the years at a various places including her church and for youth programs. She credits her parents as her inspiration for helping people.

“I feel like my parents played a big part in me wanting to volunteer. They are giving people and I feel like their example has helped me to live a giving life. It is an absolute joy to help other people,” Sheree shared.

“It is also the opportunity to smile, to acknowledge and to recognize a person that might be completely ignored on the street.”

The Community Feeding Program runs Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at The Salvation Army North Street, in Hamilton, Bermuda. On the days Sheree and Serena come in, they assist with packaging the food, serving drinks, and handing out the meals. They not only perform practical tasks but also engage with guests.

“It is not just handing out a meal. It is also the opportunity to smile, to acknowledge and to recognize a person that might be completely ignored on the street,” Sheree said. “Volunteering is a chance to be Christ’s hands and feet amongst a population that really needs to feel loved and valued.”

For Serena, the social aspect of the feeding program has allowed her to develop a more outgoing personality.

“I feel like I have a lot more friends now because I’ve learned how to talk to people,” Serena said.

The assistance the feeding program provides is crucial to the vulnerable population. Over the time Sheree has been involved, she has witnessed an increase in the number of people accessing the service.

“I would love to see more people get involved. I feel very compelled to encourage others,” Sheree said.

What started as a simple alternative for community hours, has become a tradition that Sheree and Serena hope to continue for a long time.

“It makes you feel a different kind of happiness. It is comforting to know that you’ve helped a person.”

Serena completed her required hours long ago. She continues to come because she feels good about helping people. As she prepares to attend post-secondary school to achieve her dream of becoming a paramedic, Serena plans to remain involved with The Salvation Army.

“You need to see what it is like to help other people. It makes you feel a different kind of happiness. It is comforting to know that you’ve helped a person,” Serena added. “I can see myself doing this in the future. It feels like it is part of my identity now.”

To help provide essential services visit: https://salvationarmy.bm/donate/

By Juan Romero