Volunteers of the Week

I feel fortunate to have been blessed with the life that I have, and Food on Foot gives me an opportunity to give a little help to those who haven't been so lucky. I like Food on Foot, because it not only feeds the hungry and the homeless, but also gives them hope for a better future. The program is both a charity and a support group, and I'm excited to be apart of it.

-David

FOF means a lot to me. Not only allows me to help people less fortunate than I, but also helps me to become a better human being.

I like FOF because I can be in contact directly with the recipients. There's nothing more rewarding than getting a smile or thank from them. In addition, I love the enthusiasm, the dedication, and the positive attitude of workers and volunteers.

I had an amazing experience the first feeding I attended. I was giving water when one of the recipients said to me: "Thank you and God bless you Fabiola... Can I give you a hug?" I said, "Of course!" That hug meant the world to me. With that hug everything else seemed momentarily irrelevant, it was a hug from the heart and soul.

-Fabiola

A BIG thank you to everyone from Nickelodeon for sponsoring the Sunday December 13th Hollywood serving.

A Big thank you to Steve Plum and family for sponsoring the Sunday December 6th serving.

Food on Foot means to me helping others, helping people that want to help themselves by doing the Food on Foot program. Also helping people with the donations of clothes & food & your time!

I like that Food on Foot gives people an opportunity to turn their lives back around and gives other people a chance to give back. There is nothing like seeing a hungry child smile. It doesn't take that much to really make a difference! The appreciation of someone receiving a meal & some clothes is worth way more than the time we give.

I get very emotional every year that I come with Amoeba Music to the Food on Foot. I can list many reasons why, but this past weekend when I saw one of the other $84.00 members there with his young daughters, he was *doing* what I was *talking* about last year. I usually bring my daughters but they were out of town. There are talkers and there are doers, so I had to join that day!

-Terry

A BIG thank you to Tarun Inuganti and everyone from Spencer Stuart for their sponsorhip of the Sunday (11/22) Hollywood serving.

Volunteering at Food on Foot is a way for our family to participate together to help the homeless and working poor in the City. We were shocked to learn that Los Angeles has over 60,000 homeless people. Food on Foot represents a well-thought out program that gives a person who wants to get off of the streets a way out. We embrace the philosophy of the organization, which provides work opportunities rather than short term solutions that will not be long lasting.

What we like about Food on Foot is that instead of writing a check to an anonymous organization or attending a dinner, you are actually serving dinner to someone in need. Food on Foot is extremely well run and uses volunteer time efficiently.

Each week stories are shared by people who have benefited from the program. One man had won a night in a hotel for working at Food on Foot for many weeks in a row. His vivid memory was that he could sleep through the night without a baton poking at his foot and telling him to move on. That story really hit us. The thought of not having a home, being cold, lonely and hungry and then finally falling asleep just to be asked to move somewhere else was devastating. He then shared his success story that he now has a job and an apartment thanks to his hard work and the good work of Food on Foot.

-Phyllis

A big thank you to Jim Henderson and everyone at Amoeba Music for sponsoring the Sunday November 8 Hollywood serving.

To me Food on Foot means helping people and giving them hope to become part of mainstream society again

What I like most is to see people succeed. Starting from getting a meal, to working through the Food on Foot system; becoming self sufficient with increased self esteem and getting a job and an apartment.

I enjoy the servings because I feel like I can encourage the attendees and shake their hands.

-Don

Food on Foot is a way of giving back to the community and to all those who live within it. When 'one' wins, we all win!

What I like about Food on Foot is the beautifully simple yet empowering business model where effort, consistency, respect and recognition work in concert with one another.

A memorable experience was when Joseph was presented with a 'gray' shirt and he appeared to be so very honored, and proud to have put forth the effort and be recognized for his commitment to 'self' and to 'others'.

-Jay

Food on foot means chance to help those who want to help themselves. The organization persons who are homeless, down and out, and detached from main-stream society. It is for those who wish to improve their plight and get their lives back; free from substance dependency or the allure of street life.

A memorable experience was when I was in front of the food line handing out chicken. A man approached and thanked me for his meal. I looked up and saw a person who was nicely dressed with a gentile demeanor. At that moment, I realized that this person could be me or my neighbor. It is said that most people are a paycheck away from being homeless.

The people in front of me had a variety of demons that they fought with on a daily basis. Some of us have these same demons except we live in houses and would be classified as functional. The margin between the two examples is very small and getting smaller.

I really enjoy the end of the event when people get rewarded for their excellence and attendance. The chance to be acknowledged in front of their peers shows on the smiles and quick walks to receive their gifts. With faces beaming, the pride that emanates from all angles of their body is priceless.

-Dexter

FOF represents to me a human connection that goes beyond handing a donation to a solicitor at the grocery store or mailing money to international charities (which I also do). Making eye contact and smiling at someone waiting patiently in line for basics makes me feel more human and when we can chat briefly it gets even better. The pride in the grey shirt members is so strong and the rapport among the workers is inspiring. We forget sometimes that pride in ourselves is essential to being human and that it doesn't always come from large or money-based actions.

I enjoy most the ceremonies at the end where the tangible results of the worker's commitment and efforts are rewarded. There seems to be so much mutual support, and we all love being recognized for what we have done. I also enjoy talking to the people in line, especially the women and children, and their thanks seem so genuine.

My favorite thing was at Thanksgiving last year when I met a trucker who shared his stories with me in line; driving over the Grapevine and all the gears he had to use on his big rig when he was working. He was so positive about his past and really seemed to enjoy talking with me about the hardships of driving. As I had made that same trip many times, we had lots to share.

-Dana

To me Food on Foot means helping several people in the world who are less fortunate than we are; to take out a little time in our lives to feed people who really need it.

I like that the people who go through the program have to work for what they receive. They're not just handed everything they get.

I'd always have a conversation with Robin L. as he goes through the line. He always has a smile on his face and I admired that because of what he's been through. I was so happy to be there when he moved from a green shirt to a gray shirt.

-Lisa

Food on Foot means a place of hope and opportunity for those that desire a second chance. It’s a place where others in need will find structure with genuine care, guidance, patience, and commitment. Not only does this program enrich the life of the individual in the program but the program can enrich the life of the volunteer.

What I like most about FOF is the leadership brought by the founders, board members and those that show up each and every Sunday.

The story of each individual is different as “homeless” does not discriminate – it can hit anyone no matter their circumstances. There are all different types of individuals, stories, and faces with their own set of expressions. The experience has been humbling and encouraging. I’ve enjoyed over a short time to see the same faces with instilled hope and enthusiasm. You will see your time; support and donation well spent.

-Kimberly

A BIG thank you to Richard and Shelly Maslan and their friends and co-workers for sponsoring the Sunday September 13th serving.

I was always taught to appreciate others regardless of where they stand in this world and to recognize what they have to offer. This is no less true for people who might find themselves in unfortunate places at times. While I am giving a small amount of my time, these people are reminding me in a big way of what is truly important in life.

Every time someone comes through the line and utters the words "thank you", I am instantly filled with my own sense of gratitude that is overwhelming - gratitude that there are groups in this world like Food on Foot who care so much about others; gratitude that I can be a part of something that means so much to so many; gratitude for everything that I have; and gratitude for everything that I can give.

Food on Foot doesn't just hand out meals; they create an environment of support and encouragement that is crucial to the development of anyone hoping to improve their lives. To give someone their dignity, self respect and confidence back seems like such an impossible thing to do; yet Food on Foot has figured out a very effective way of doing this.

My first time coming to a Sunday at Food on Foot; I was very moved by the awards ceremony. I found myself filled with so much pride for these people that I had never even met before. Then as I looked into each of the faces as they stepped forward to collect their earnings, I could see that they were just as happy and as proud of themselves as I strangely was. It is an amazing thing to see the look of pride and accomplishment in the eyes of someone who hasn't felt it in such a long time.

-Wendy

Until recently, I thought I already knew what Food on Foot was all about. I was introduced to the organization by my friend Kate Adler several years ago and was so impressed with what I heard that I immediately signed up to be a member of what was then the $56 Club.

But because I work in New York, I never had a chance to attend a feeding and as a result, everything I knew about Food on Foot was from what I read in the newsletters. But it wasn't until I went to my first feeding that I truly understood what Food on Foot is all about.

WOW! I was so inspired by everything I saw. Inspired by the volunteers whose enthusiasm was contagious. Inspired by the atmosphere, in which the attitude is not one of pity, but rather of respect and admiration. And most of all, inspired by the men and women of the work crew whose hard work and determination was humbling to say the least. If you've gone to a feeding, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't gone to a feeding, trust me, you should. I am proud to be a part of this organization and I look forward to recruiting new donors and volunteers.

-Will

FOF is an opportunity for myself and my family to give back - through a program that actually works! It's a chance to participate in an organization that really has its act together, and delivers on its promise; actually rehabilitating people from the street into fully employed, productive members of society. And its done in a way that is inspiring to everyone involved from the participants to the volunteers. I find it very inspirational!

What I like most is that as a volunteer, I am able to interact with those that we help. It's a real hands-on experience. As I continue to come, I can see first hand the fantastic progress the participants have made. I also love the fact that at the beginning of the program, the workers focus on cleaning up trash in our streets. This is such a simple idea, but no one else is doing this!

I brought my two daughters (Jordan 10 and Isabella 7) to the last Sunday feeding. It was amazing to watch them jump right in and embrace the whole day. We were lucky enough to be on chicken duty for the feeding. I was overjoyed to see the girls handing out the chicken, interacting with the recipients and getting turned on by the whole thing. Afterwards they both told me that they loved it and want to come back in two weeks. Showing them that they can be personally connected to those they are helping was awesome.

-Jeff

I am so impressed with Food on Foot. It is a wonderful organization that not only provides food and clothing to the needy, but also helps them to get back on their feet. I love that they basically give people a second chance at life.

I enjoy listening to all the heartwarming stories from the people that Food on Foot has helped. I felt so honored that I was chosen to give out the “Grand Prizes” on my first feeding. It gives you such a warm feeling inside when you see the recipients of the prizes have such a thankful and hopeful look in their eyes.

-Sheila

I've worked on behalf of the hungry and homeless, both professionally and as a volunteer, for eight years, and am very moved by this issue. FOF is a rare example of a service program that makes a visible, practical, sustainable change in people's lives.

I'm all for idealism, but too often dear and inspiring ideals don't translate into making a real difference. I admire and appreciate the particular balance FOF brings of providing good food to those in the community who need it, and investing the rest of its resources into making the maximum long-term difference for those who demonstrate they can and will make use of the assistance.

One thing that's a little harder to describe was a striking part of the awards presentations. The top five award winners physically looked different than anyone else in the line. The difference was in their eyes; they were clear, focused, committed. You could palpably see the difference of intention and self-esteem in those being most recognized for accomplishment.

-James

Members of the $84 club celebrated our 700th consecutive week of service to our community on Sunday August 2nd. We appreciate everyone's support.

When I was younger I used to watch my father as he would help feed the homeless once a month without celebration or announcement. He never complained and rarely mentioned it to others. But I saw it. I saw what he did. And for all his greatness, it will be this one simple consistent act that will define his legacy in my mind. This week my wife and I welcomed our second boy into our family. Already, our 4 yr old is asking questions about the world and his place in it. I can see him watching me just as I did my father for so many years.

Food on Foot gives me a place to be a shining example of what it means to be a man. To show my son, in part, how to really help those who are currently less fortunate and to do it without pity or judgment but rather with love and compassion. Occasionally when one of the "guests" whispers a soft "thank you" to me, I silently think...no...."thank you"

What I like best about Food On Foot is that it is real. Without agenda beyond helping those who wish to help themselves. And it's so easy! One and half hours a week!
The volunteers are my kind of people! Fun, interesting, and clearly with interests outside of themselves. I Love it!

-John

Like most people, I assume, I'm attracted to FOF because it genuinely tries to be more than just a handout. I think in general Americans are very generous. Most of us want to help others, and when it comes to giving, we are the most charitable country in the world. But we are also a country built on a strong work ethic and a belief that if given the right opportunity, anyone can be successful. FOF embraces that concept. It shows charity, but also provides a path to success.

I have had the opportunity to hand out food twice now. What has struck me both times is the seemingly optimistic attitude and even cheerful disposition the recipients have had. Most came through the line with a smile and I could sense that many felt they had brighter days ahead. They are going through difficult times but I think Food on Foot gives them genuine hope.

-Paul

Food on Foot gives me an opportunity to actually see the progression of people who are in need and fighting to regain structure in their lives. It's very encouraging to witness first hand.

I like Food on Foot because it gives people the opportunity to make a difference in their own lives based on their own actions and their dedication to working towards a better future for themselves and others.

One of many experiences I recall is when I saw a new homeless man who seemed to be reluctant about attending... when he received his McDonald's coupon and got the applause... you could see a genuine smile and encouraged look on his face. I knew he'd be back.

-Ashoka

Food on Foot is an opportunity to feel connected to and to give back to my community especially at a time when so many people are struggling and having a hard time taking care of basic needs.

What I like most about Food on Foot is that I know exactly where my contributions are going and there is no bureaucracy or administrative excess. I also like the idea of people working for what they receive rather than just being given it without any effort. I do believe it's human nature to value something more having earned it than being given it.

There was one incident that I remember from the feedings that I attended. It was the last week that Paul Mills was in town before going back to the Midwest to start a new job. It struck me that the goal is to give people the help and skills they need so that they can leave here and go about their lives.

-Anupama