Volunteers of the Week

Food on Foot means new beginnings. It's so gratifying to not only feed those who are in need, but to help rebuild people's self esteem and self reliance. It gets your own priorities in order too; when I see the uphill battles faced by so many in our community, I feel so much more grateful for the little things that I often take for granted.

I love the fact that Food on Foot actually puts me to work! So many relief organizations put their volunteers in offices, pushing papers. I love FOF's grassroots approach. Being able to say "hello" and smile at the people I'm helping humanizes and enriches the whole experience, for them and for me.

The best day I've had so far with Food on Foot was my birthday party, June 12. About 18 of my friends came along to help with the feeding. Everybody enjoyed the experience, and I may have coaxed a few new volunteers, with is always a good thing. I think the highlight for everybody was when Jesse Fairbanks sang to us!

-Colleen

Food on Foot means a fresh start to me. Whether it be the first meal of the day for someone, or the first day in rebuilding self-esteem, responsibility, and self-reliance.

Something I like about FOF is that getting a free meal can lead to getting one's own apartment. I also like to see people being good examples for others (Work team members, donors, etc.).

An experience I remember is when I was handing out fast food certificate awards to work team members. What has struck me most was listening to a gentleman describe his wish to join the clean-up team. He told me that he had intended to show up for team duty that day, but he had found it to unnerving. He said that he'd be able to take that step in the next week or so, and I believe that he will.

-Mark

Food on Foot has really allowed me as an individual to make a difference in the community. In a city as big as Los Angeles, knowing that an organization as caring and incredible as Food on Foot is comforting. A lot of times in society we talk about community and helping others but with Food on Foot, and all the volunteers and crew take action to help the underserved. All my volunteer efforts to this very day started with Food on Foot opening up my mind to the possibilities and the need to help the homeless.

I like the fact that I can make a direct difference with Food on Foot. No matter what, I know Jay is there to help the homeless. Jay is open-minded and accessible. I come away with each experience with heart felt compassion wanting to do even more to help the less fortunate.

One of my most memorable experiences with Food on Foot was during a Thanksgiving day feeding. This happened to be one of the rare times that it rained profusely here in LA. I was amazed at how many volunteers came out in the rain to help out in Hollywood. As the rain poured down, I just remember this pouring of compassion and love among both volunteers and the homeless that day.

-Clarence

A wise man once said "It is difficult to love, but even more so to allow someone to love you in return". The reality is, when one is put face to face with success it can be a terrifying experience. To allow someone else the opportunity to enrich our life or better our situation is no less frightening and intimidating.

As hundreds of people line up to receive a warm meal, I make the time to hold some conversations. Each conversation remains distinct from the next, but all hold one common element; Fear. Radiating from their eyes is the fear of success, and a lack of confidence.

Through its business like mentality, Food on Foot, provides an opportunity for change towards Success. The ‘work for food’ program carefully introduces traits such as accountability and confidence back into their lives. One starts on the street crew and works their way into the inside crew, then to a full time job and apartment. That is the goal of Food on Foot, to get people back into society through the development of their own confidence and attributes.

For me, Food on Foot is more than a weekly altruistic act; it is about the greater lesson of accountability.


"…a tiny change today, can bring us to a dramatically different tomorrow."

-Janet

I started attending food on foot last summer just after I moved from Australia to Los Angeles. I hoped to volunteer for an agency that assisted the poor and the homeless and one where I was able to see the direct results of people's contributions. FOF does exactly that - the financial contributions and the efforts of the volunteers goes directly to the people on the streets who are in need.



However, this is just the beginning of what FOF offers as what I like most is the work for food program. This aims to provide skills, work experience and most importantly, self confidence for people who are homeless and have very little job prospects due to their social situation.



One experience that stands out for me was last month when one of the work for food crew members was awarded with the worker of the quarter honor. Due to her hard work, punctuality and efficiency she was offered a full time job along with a hotel room to help get her started, watching her reaction to this wonderful opportunity brought tears to my eyes. It was an amazing experience to share and a fantastic example of what FOF can offer participants of its work for food program.


- Georgina

Helping people less fortunate than myself has always tugged at my heart - so when one of my friends shared the Food on Foot web site with me, it seemed I had found my calling.... I donate to other charities but none have made me feel as "connected" or involved as Food on Foot does. After visiting and volunteering just one time, God touched my heart to became an $84 member and make the commitment to bless others with what I take for granted day-to-day......a warm meal, something to drink and some clothing. I like the fact that I am able to contribute, not only financially, but on a more personal level as well, as we feed the hungry each week. It is so inspiring, and even humbling, to hear the heartfelt "thank you's" from the men, women and children as you greet them, smile and hand them their food. My 10 year old son works side-by-side with me at FOF - he loves to be a part of this too. So many of our children are clueless as to what is really going on around them - it gives him the opportunity to share also.... To remain in the spirit of giving.......

We plan to fully support Food on Foot as they rehabilitate lives right here in the Hollywood area; giving hope to those who might otherwise feel hopeless, worthless or lost.


It IS true - you can feed a man a meal, and he eats for a day - but if you help him find a job, he eats for life.........


It's an honor to be a part of an organization that helps people get back on their feet - to ease back into society with dignity and pride. And May God Bless Daniel for his ongoing efforts and dedication as he assists in their growth.

May there be MANY MANY countless stories such as his......


-Melody

Food on Food is a wonderful opportunity for my son and I, together, to get involved in our community by giving a little back. This genius grassroots organization lets people feel good about receiving help and not just a handout. No one likes to feel needy or less than others. During the ceremonies where the workers of the week receive food coupons and bus tokens in exchange for their hard work, you can see by their demeanor and their smiles, how much the recognition (and the help) means to them. All humans need acceptance and compassion.


Volunteering for Food on Foot, it is something everyone should experience. The hungry walk away with a full belly, and we walk away with a full heart.


On mother's day my son, Dylan, and I were handing out chicken dinners when a young man told us that he was taking his food to his mother as mother's day gift. Dylan and I just looked at one another- no words were necessary. (No words or schools can teach a child these things.)

-Dana

In my mind, Food on Foot is an enterprise which should have many imitators but doesn't.
This is a valuable service to the most needy in our society. Those of us
who have more blessings than we can count do precious little to help the
disadvantaged. Food on Foot offers an opportunity to such people as myself
to do a little bit.

The opportunity to meet and greet people who are on the street and who I
tend to ignore most of the time is a very rewarding experience. It is easy
for me (and, I surmise, others) to discount the humanity of our less
fortunate brothers and sisters. It is easy to walk by them on the street.
When they are at the Food on Foot you get to meet them, visit with them and
get an understanding of the difficult circumstances facing them.

-Brian

Food on Foot is an organization that is completely necessary for the community. Not only does FOF feed people in need, FOF creates job opportunities so that people can get back into society. In addition, FOF also gives the workers confidence and a real sense of self-discipline which they will hopefully apply to their lives once they graduate the program. The thing I like most about FOF is that it not only feeds people but it also teaches valuable life lessons to people in need. FOF helps guide people so that their re-entrance into society can be smooth and not overwhelming. My favorite experience has to be when a woman was given a hotel for a week to stay in when she won worker of the quarter. Not only did she learn to work hard, but she also learned self-confidence that I have seen translated through her great attitude.

Food on Foot has a special place in my heart. It provides direction for people to get back on their feet. It means learning to be responsible for yourself and not giving up no matter how many times you have been knock down.

I actually get to see people getting help, guidance and support instead of an handout.

I have volunteer for several different type of organizations, and have not felt like I do when I leave Food on Foot. I feel that I will always be tied to Food on Foot in some form during my life time.


Thank you,
Paula

Food on Foot means a better future for those people with the courage to change their lives.

I love Food on Food's approach because rather than helping people on a temporary basis, it makes lasting changes in their lives.

Participating in the holiday feedings, such as those on Thanksgiving and Christmas, are particularly meaningful to me. The holidays are a perfect time to show love and concern for others by helping them on their way to better lives.

-Rachel

Food on Foot, to me, is a kind of grassroots organization that fills a niche in Los Angeles unlike other charity/volunteer organization does. I say "grassroots" because of how it began (with one man feeding people that needed food in front of a post office), as well as the spirit in which it is conducted. I see it as simply people helping people, and everyone that's involved benefits in a very positive way. Everyone - from volunteers to those we're feeding - involved in Food on Foot is important, and I feel that every time I show up.

The thing I like most about FOF is that it's a very direct way to help the homeless in Los Angeles. I love that volunteers can just talk to them. It's also very special to witness the work crew at the awards part of the feeding. I feel so proud for them. Lastly, I also like the networking aspect that happens among volunteers- it's great! :)

The most magical feeding experience for me was when keys to an apartment were handed out to a man about a month ago. He was overwhelmed with happiness, and all of the volunteers could just feel his elation and gratitude. It was just amazing to share in this turning point in his life, and truly inspiring.

-Gage

To me Food on Foot means being a friend to those that may not have any.

What I like most about FOF is being of service to our community. I hope that I can inspire those who feel as if they have nothing left to give.

My most memorable moments come from those when I recognize and acknowledge someone I have seen regularly. This always brightens their day -- this is most gratifying.

-Caron

Food on Foot has been such a fulfilling experience. I am grateful for having the opportunity to visit with these people whom I don't get to see on a daily basis. These men and women are amazing in the fact that they haven't given up and Food on Foot is just the place to give them that second chance. They do receive a hot meal, but ultimately they receive a lot more. They are given the opportunity to get back on their feet and back into society, that's what I like most about Food on Foot. This is not just a charitable organization but a life changing organization.


I witnessed this first hand when meal certificates and bus tokens were given out to the workers after the feedings. These men and women were told they had done a good job and that they could continue to work hard and would be rewarded for their efforts. These folks just need to be reminded that someone still cares. Human kindness goes a long, long way and the best part about it is that it comes back around when you least expect it or when you need it the most. I am blessed every week when I see the gratitude on the faces of these men and women. Thank you Food on Foot for being such an amazing organization.

Thanks,

Ashleigh

It is an honor to be associated with Food on Foot. Food on Foot allows me to
give to those individuals who have fallen on difficult times -- to give them a
smile, or tell them something humorous, or give them a compliment of some
kind, which I hope gives them a good feeling about themselves.

I try to look each one of the people, coming through the food line, directly
in the eye -- It is my intent to show them that I consider them completely my
equal - no matter what. I also want them to know that I SEE them.

What I like most about Food on Foot is that it is very direct...I get to
interact with the people, speak with them, see how they are doing. It helps me to
remember that giving is actually so much more rewarding than receiving.

One of the (many) interesting experiences from a feeding was talking with a
young man who is a heroin addict -- a very sweet and gentle soul -- We were
discussing our family backgrounds...which were very similar...This person and is
life predicament became very very real and understandable to me.

-Susan

<center>
<b class=small>Pamela raised $2660 from admission to a Valentine's Day Event!</b>
</center>


My name is Pamela Boothe and I am honored to be selected as the Volunteer of the week. But I owe this honor to my community – Hidden Hills. We have an annual Valentine Musicale that raises money for charities. I persuaded the committee to include Food on Foot as one of the charities. They were convinced, especially, when I explained how Food on Foot works. We raised $2,660.

My daughter, Parisse, located Food on Foot on the Internet and we decided to volunteer together. We both felt so rewarded afterwards and couldn’t stop thinking of what else we could do to help. For the last 15 years I have been involved in fund raisers for my children’s schools, baseball teams and community projects. But these programs were for my neighborhood where you don’t see many homeless/hungry people. I knew I needed to expand my help beyond my neighborhood.

Not only does Food on Foot feed the homeless and hungry but they sponsor a work for food program. The program gives participants an opportunity to earn self respect, gain the confidence to obtain and hold a job, become self sufficient and get off the streets.

-Pamela

I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve actually spent years trying to avoid the homeless. If someone in the street asked me for money, my normal response was to hurry on by. I felt I could somehow justify not looking him or her in the eye: it wasn’t my problem; they didn’t really want to be helped; my small gesture wouldn’t make a difference… I had a million different answers for all my vague feelings of guilt and helplessness. Food on Foot has given me an opportunity to confront these issues.

What makes Food on Foot special is that it’s a program of empowerment. It’s not only a chance for homeless people to be fed, but also a unique opportunity for many to turn their lives around if only they have the desire and commitment.

On my first day with Food on Foot, I finally overcame the fear of seeing these people as fellow human beings. I felt an immense sense of relief to look these people in the eye and do something constructive. For me, seeing young children waiting in line was especially moving. Here were families who had to spend a cold winter afternoon out on the street. Later that evening, while I was curled up on the sofa with great food and a bottle of wine, it was even more poignant to think that most of the people I had served that afternoon would be spending all night on the street and would likely be eating nothing else for the rest of the day.

Ultimately, we’re all connected. In a world where it’s easy to become distracted by the smoke and mirrors of everyday life, it’s humbling to be reminded that a kind word and a smile are sometimes all it takes to keep hope alive. For me personally, that’s what Food on Foot is all about.

-Stuart

There are so many self-centered complainers in this world. When they complain to me about trivial things, I tell them "at least you have a roof over your head." Oftentimes, we are surrounded by a lot of negative and pessimistic people who bring others down. FOF is a place where I can go to turn that negative energy into positive action. Why does this world have to wait until there is a tsunami in order to help those in need?!!! In addition, FOF is one of the ways in which I serve God.

FOF not only feeds and clothes multitudes of homeless people, but the work program allows them to gain the confidence and self-esteem needed to get back into society. It teaches them that consistency and diligence pays off. FOF is very organized. Furthermore, FOF brings together many diverse people.


One of the best parts of volunteering at FOF is being able to interact with the homeless. I asked George, a homeless man, "how are you?" "Great! I'm blessed," he replied. WOW! Here's a homeless man that has nothing, and he's saying he's blessed. I wish many more fortunate people would say that instead of complaining so much! To hear George say that made me realize how much we take for granted.


Another great experience was when FOF gave Nate the keys to his own apartment. I felt Nate's joy as if it was mine. There was this exhilarating feeling in the air, as if Nate had won the lotto. To see him so ecstatic was the highlight of one of the feedings.


Thank you for the opportunity to give back to the community,
Julie Park

I'm impressed by the fact that Food on Foot
fills a community need, not just in giving people food and
clothing once a week, but that it goes deeper in
filling a need for those in the work-for-food program,
bringing them the chance to earn back their
self-respect, self-confidence and a sense of
self-worth.

That part of it is what appeals to me most. While
it is a noble gesture for the community to give to people
in need, I find it even more beneficial to give
those people an opportunity to raise themselves up so
they, in turn, can give back to their community.

It's so good to see the smiles of pride on the
faces of the workers who've earned the honor of Worker
of the Week or Month. I also enjoy hearing stories of people who've gotten themselves together to find jobs and the help and reinforcement they have received
with new clothes.

There are other moments that stay in my heart and
mind. This past Sunday a couple of gentlemen looked at
us as they were going though the line. They told us they
were equally grateful for our smiles as for the food
we gave them.

The crowning moment that I'll never forget came two
weeks ago. I watched a man's dignity restored as
Nate was awarded keys to his own apartment after his
years without a home. What a gift it was to see his
enormous smile of joy, dignity and humility!

I'm so glad Food on Foot exists and it
makes me feel good to be a part of it.

-Laura

I support the concept of helping people feel good about themselves. I hope they feel that someone cares about them.

What I like about FOF is that it's well organized and efficient. We can do a lot of good in a very short period of time.

An experience I remember is chatting with one man in the line, I found he was a bit of a philosopher. He had a positive attitude that helped me see things a bit differently.

-Sandi

Initially I thought of Food on Foot was exactly that, an organization that feeds the homeless, and yes, that is what it does, but it was a lot more.
It is an organization that not only feeds, but also gives people some hope and the opportunity to do more, to make it. This is evident with the work crew and their job of cleaning the streets. It is not a handout to them, but a job and an opportunity.

Even though watching each person come through the feeding line and having conversations with some is an experience and a joy, the work crew has to be the most unbelievable part. Here individuals work for the opportunity to receive rewards, payment for their hard work. It is not a handout, and it is not an easy job (cleaning the streets, every day), it gives people the opportunity to be responsible, accountable and simply gives them a chance.
This job gives them an opportunity to prove themselves once again, and put them one step closer into the mainstream. By far, the most memorable moment was when Nate received his reward for his hard work, his own apartment.

Just to see his face, to see him raise his hands and say thank you God. Or his comment, this is the happiest day in my life, next to the birth of my kids. It was truly amazing, you just wanted to go out and give him a hug.

I guess he learned that all the hard work paid off, and Nate was not just given an apartment, he worked for it, two years. So, it is a lot more than just feeding the needy, it is an opportunity and a chance to be more. I took my two daughters so they would learn to give back to individuals less fortunate then they and appreciate what they have; I guess their father was the one who learned. We truly enjoyed the day!

-Thomas

Food on foot to me is an example of how a community can come together and truly affect a change. It amazes me that one person has put this together and is out there handing out food and clothes rain or shine, week after week. Food on Foot has given my family the opportunity to come together and partake in something truly meaningful and fulfilling: the ability to help people who don't have what we as a family take for granted every day.

Food on Foot isn't a free hand out—the recipients need to work for what is given to them, therefore building their self-esteem and showing them that it is possible for them to integrate back into society.

When you are there giving out the food in line you literally come face to face with the realities of the homeless situation. For example, I was giving out small bags of prepackaged carrots, my husband was next to me giving out bananas. The rule was, one per person. There were a significant number of people who came by and declined the carrots because they didn't have teeth, or not enough of them to eat carrots. That was the first reality check; the second was when they asked for an extra banana because they weren't taking the carrots and my husband would have to decline for if he didn't, there wouldn't be enough for everyone.

To me Food on Foot means a chance to give back to the community in a tangible way.
I think it is exceptional that 100% goes to the cause with no overhead.

It's an memorable experience passing out the chicken sandwiches and watching someone's eyes light-up when you simply ask their name, shake their hand, and say "Merry Christmas".

-Matt

We know that Food on Foot fills a huge void in the care for the homeless. Linda and I used to think Food on Foot was about feeding and clothing the homeless. We have discovered it to mean much more. We sense that despair plays a major role in feeling homeless and helpless. What we have seen is this organization provides the less fortunate an avenue leading to hope for a prosperous and productive future. Linda and I have been truly touched having seen the happiness Food on Foot brings to the many workers especially during the presentation of awards at the end of every feeding. We applaud them but we feel like cheering out loud for those receiving awards! To those who have decided to help themselves, hope seems to have entered their life once again. What a wonderful gift and not just during the Holidays but all year long!


We like the opportunity that volunteering for feedings affords us; to see how our contribution can directly affect people less fortunate. We also give to Good Will, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the like. All deserving but those are anonymous contributions. Food on Foot provides us the opportunity to see someone smile even though they may be facing some of life's greatest challenges!



An experience I remember was the Sunday before Christmas. While handing out the registration tickets, many of the people in line and I (Linda) somehow got on the topic of old television shows. The shared fun of trying to remember titles, character names, and especially humorous episodes, was pure pleasure for all of us. Later, while I was distributing tiny muffins, many from that earlier group would continue with the fun as they came to pass me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think the others did too.

-Frank and Linda

The overwhelming realization I had when driving home after spending the afternoon with Food on Foot, was how much of an impact this organization has on the development of the individual life as well as the mass. The imperative factor to breaking the cycle is offering the opportunity to work and join the flow of society by gaining trust, nurturing confidence, by aiding he or she with certain tools such as bus tokens, phone cards and food coupons. Therefore arming them with the ability to choose to contribute to the community and so preparing them for the transition back into society. If they so choose.

What struck me as I handed out food, delivering the only 'Merry Christmas' that has had any real potency, to every age, sex, background you can imagine, the awareness that we are all made of the same stuff takes full effect when you see yourself in the eyes of that 5 week old baby, mother that never made it home after the party, gentleman who lost it all or a girl my age who never had a chance to begin with, and you hope that if at some point life dealt you a different hand, someone loving and caring enough would be there to offer you a door out.

What I appreciate most about Food on Foot is that it is not just a band-aid it's a cure. The proof is seeing the graduates, such as Daniel Cornelius wade through this seemingly molasses like situation and win. Grass growing through concrete, whichever way you want to put it, Food on Foot offers an out. The organization offers not only the practical things which are items essential for 'survival' but the most important things which really are free and we all have tanks of are love, encouragement and trust which are essential for 'living'. My feelings on volunteering are that it should be a way of life, if you have been blessed with these things then put some back, it's only on loan anyway.

-Rhona

I have worked with many different organization before but Food On Foot gave me the most rewarding experience. Wonderful things in life does not mean much if you don't have anybody to share with. And the more you share with somebody, the more you feel you have.

I like the fact Food on Foot rewards people who put their effort and show their will to change their situation. I love the encouragement, trust and individual attention they give to these people are so wonderful.

Although it is sad to see so many people being hungry and cold, I really enjoyed seeing people's proud face when they brought the trash. It clearly shows that people want to work and need to feel good about themselves, and Food on Foot help them on that. And at the award ceremony, I can't forget how delighted a worker, who got one week stay at a hotel, was when he found out his prize. It totally made my day. And it was amazing to see the number of volunteers who showed up on Christmas day. Everyone had a smile on their face. And I think all of us left there feeling richer.

I hope to continue working with Food on Foot.

Sincerely,

Lana Sofer