“I Felt the Need to Do Something”
During the last several months, many of us have felt powerless during this pandemic, feeling the need to do something. As The Salvation Army has been responding to the food insecurity needs of those within the community, individuals with the desire to help others have been responding to needs of The Salvation Army for volunteers. “With the craziness that started since COVID, I just felt like I had to give back,” said Robin Brennan of West Hartford, CT. As a realtor, Robin had a flexible schedule that would allow her the time to come and volunteer. She saw the need of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity and wanted to seek out an organization that would be able to help those in the community; and so she signed up through CT VOAD (Connecticut Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) and was paired up with The Salvation Army. Volunteering at The Salvation Army was a perfect fit.
Starting out at our Ashford Hub, Robin brought along her daughter Leanne to join in on the experience. Together, they packed the emergency food boxes that would eventually make their way to various Salvation Army food pantries for distribution. The following week, there was an opening for a volunteer at our location in Hartford, CT. Brennan took that opportunity and has been there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! She enjoys the camaraderie of working with the other volunteers to help their neighbors in need. Many families are coming in for the first time. “It’s heartbreaking to me to see the families that come - single parent with four children or the husband and wife with six kids. It’s just heartbreaking,” Robin said. “When we see that they have kids, we try to give them a little extra sweets, or fruit if we have it and diapers for babies.”
“Robin has been essential to the food pantry operation at the Hartford Salvation Army,” said Katie Perrett, Volunteer Coordinator, The Salvation Army of CT and RI. “She helps run a very smooth operation, helps to train new volunteers, enjoys greeting the recipients of the food boxes and has such a joyful spirit! This experience has not only been fulfilling for Robin but has also shown her the various other programs that The Salvation Army can provide to those in need. Robin has taken interest in the Bloom Initiative – Anti Human Trafficking program and will begin preliminary training to volunteer within that program. She is a blessing!” The Salvation Army thanks Robin Brennan for her support of The Salvation Army and for her willingness to help her neighbors in need!