An Interfaith Community of Volunteers IN THIS ISSUE: • Random Acts of Kindness in our Community, pg. 2 • Ways to Help, pg. 2 • Online Giving, pg. 2 • Flu shot clinics, pg. 3 • Food Support for Bud Clark Commons, pg. 4 • Garden Party report, pg. 5 • Donors, pgs. 6 & 7 • Theater Party fundraiser, pg. 7 October Last month at Williams Plaza, a man kissed Stuart Barthold’s hand. Stuart had just delivered one of Lift Urban Portland’s signature boxes of nutritious food. Clearly, the recipient’s gratitude was more than words can express. Stuart, however, who delivers the boxes twice a week, has no trouble articulating his feelings: “I felt a lot of emotion. It was the highlight of my 12 years of delivering food to people.” It’s that kind of rewarding moment that has Stuart hooked on volunteering with us. Although he delivered Meals on Wheels for years before coming to Lift Urban Portland, he feels he’s found his niche with us. He comments, “It’s more challenging than Meals on Wheels and I put more effort into it. Your clients need so much more (than Meals on Wheels’).” Stuart, a lean, energetic 78yearold, began volunteering after retiring from the shoe business. Eventually, he learned from the National Council of Jewish Women that Lift Urban Portland (then Northwest Portland Ministries) needed to use a van, which he had. About three years ago, he began picking up surplus food from Trader Joe’s, then delivered and sorted it at our food pantry. Soon, he was delivering food boxes Tuesdays, and later added Fridays to his schedule. He reflects, “It makes you feel good. Better than you normally feel. Once I know everyone got their delivery, without problems, I feel very good”. He hopes other potential volunteers will see that, “ ‘If that old fellow can do the lifting, then maybe I can.’ I see people who do nothing when they retire, and that wasn’t for me.” Stuart enjoys the help of his grandson, Davin, when he doesn’t have school. The 14yearold is a good match for his grandfather’s joie de vivre. Stuart also admires our other remarkable volunteers. “(Pantry Manager) Robert Johnson is one of a kind. He sees that clients get everything they’re entitled to, the best food and produce we have. He goes the extra mile. And I used to think that Preston Holt was a paid employee, he does so much. Both are a pleasure to work with.” He concludes, “People who sit around and do nothing, they should know that there’s so much they can do, and they are needed so badly. Lift Urban Portland has been so good for me.” Davin & Stuart Barthold pause between food box deliveries at Williams Plaza. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Fall 2012 1