VOLUNTEER STORIES
Herman B.
I began volunteering in March 2020, just prior to PA business closures due to Covid-19. My primary assignment is cleaning and repairing donated furniture, and I also clean tools and hardware. Growing up on a farm and doing construction work, I learned various craftsman and fix-it skills. However, my career was primarily management positions, including some years administering MCC programs overseas – mostly behind a desk -- and later as an MCC board member. This service assignment provides opportunity to hone skills from an earlier time, experience the joy and gratification coming from hands-on work, ponder the donor’s intent to live compassionately, preserve creation, and support the work of MCC. In a world deeply splintered by political and religious differences, I find it healing to serve alongside a variety of people focused on the common goal of sharing with people around the world in need of sufficient resources to survive and who long for friendship. My advice to potential volunteers is to volunteer for a small, regular amount of time – and be prepared to be drawn into expanding your service commitment because IT IS REWARDING!
Susan B.
I began volunteering at the New Holland ReUzit Shop as a cashier one Saturday a month about 15 year ago. Later I switched to stocking the store there. When I moved to Lititz, I became a volunteer at ReUzit on Main which consolidated and is now called ReUzit on State.
Here I organize and restock the shelves. It is a lot of fun to display items in a special way and see how quickly they sell. I feel good about reusing items that others no longer need and supporting the work of Mennonite Central Committee. It helps to make the world a better place.
Lena B.
After I learned to read, I devoured every book I could find in school and at home. While teaching it gave me much joy to teach others to read and love books. Now it gives me joy to sell books to those who are looking for good reading. A good book is a treasure! I began volunteering in 2006 and have always worked with books. I delight in seeing what books are donated.
Many years ago, while teaching in Somalia, I saw the effects of severe malnutrition. Now, as I put books on the shelves in the store and watch them sell, I envision mothers getting help to feed their hungry children through MCC.