Volunteers of the Week

A big thank you to Greg Kearns and everyone at the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club for their sponsorship and participation in Sunday's (06/27) serving.

Food on Foot allows me the opportunity to give back and be involved in my community. It is much more then a program that serves food on Sundays, but instead provides the tools and confidence for those struggling to get back on there feet.

This amazing organization realizes the importance of not simply giving people handouts, but instead providing them with the structure and support needed to become self sufficient.

Being able to interact on a weekly basis with the people that you are helping is the most rewarding part. Seeing them grow each week and gain the confidence that they previously lacked shows you how much this program truly impacts there lives.

I am not often surprised by the generosity of those that have nothing; I can count several occasions during which I have witnessed the sharing of food, or clothes, but most recently I witnessed a man who had taken several shirts from our donation pile share his lucky finds with a friend. He easily could have kept them all for himself as I know he needed them but instead he shared the little he had and in return made someone else's day.   He demonstrated the spirit of this program and the importance of thinking of others before you think about yourself.

-Erika

A Big thank you to everyone from the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles for their sponsorship of Sunday's (06-13) Hollywood serving.

I decided to get involved with Food on Foot to honor my dearest friend, Erica Patterson, who passed away in February. Erica always had time to lend a helping hand in whatever way was needed and she was very passionate about this charity. Before Erica died, my youngest son, Chris, mentioned that he was going to talk to Erica about getting involved with Food on Foot because he wanted to give back and he loved Erica. Unfortunately, that conversation never took place so becoming an $84 club member seemed like a no-brainer. I want my children to understand that people are struggling and not everyone has a roof over their heads and 3 meals a day.

I like the fact that this program is not simply a hand out but is a solution to a problem. I find Food on Foot incredibly inspirational and have a great deal of respect for the group.

I attended my first feeding today, Mother's Day, and had a chance to hear Josh talk about moving into his new apartment and how he loves his job. He has a 2 hour commute every day to his job in Chatsworth and another 2 hours back to Hollywood at which point he spends 2 more hours picking up trash. There is nothing easy about his day but I could see true happiness in his eyes and an enormous sense of pride. Any program that can offer that is truly a gem.

-Peggy

Food on Foot is an amazing organization that allows us to truly be a part of and give back to OUR community. It gives us the opportunity to help others help themselves.

Seeing the positive changes Food on Foot makes in other's lives continues to inspire us.

We were unsure of what to expect our first time at Food on Foot. Through our interaction with everyone our eyes were truly opened to the face of homelessness and the fact that it doesn't look that different than the face in the mirror.

-Star

Food on Foot means that we get a chance to help those in need in our community. It is easy to lose perspective in the day to day grind and Food on Foot reminds us that many people are in need and fighting battles we could not even begin to comprehend.
 
I like getting the chance to witness the Work for Food program at work first-hand was incredibly moving. What a wonderful and unique way to help those in need and, even more importantly, what a long-lasting and effective way to help.

During a serving we attended, we got to see someone from the Work for Food program graduate to be a grey shirt. Not only was it heartwarming to see the graduating individual's pride at his accomplishment, it was equally heartwarming to see the support he got from the other members in the program.

-Amy

Food on Foot is quickly becoming an important part of our lives; as a family of 4 with 2 small children, we so often get caught up in the minutiae of our lives. But as volunteers, we can take a break from OURSELVES and have an immediate impact on other people's daily lives, and we become involved in the progress of many of those people, watching them challenge themselves to becoming totally independent and responsible citizens. It's incredibly fulfilling and my son always leaves saying, "that was awesome! can we do it again next Sunday?"

What I like most about Food on Foot is that it's something that my whole family can be a part of; its' a fun way for us to begin to plant the seed of 'helping others' in our children's brains and hearts.

The first time I brought Ben to a feeding, we were passing out bread, oranges and then fruit roll-ups, and a woman took her food and stopped in front of us and said, " That child is gonna grow up to have a big heart" and it meant so much to both of us.

-Julie

Food on Foot means having a great opportunity to give back first hand to my community and being able to make a difference in someone else's life.

I enjoy the fact that Food on Foot makes a direct impact on the people they serve. It's not just clothing and food, it's a support system for the people and a constant for them in a life that is uncertain.

Just today one of the patrons receiving a fruit roll up from me shook my hand and insisted on giving me a big hug. That made my day!

-Nikki

A BIG thank you to the Richman family and everyone at Leo Baeck Temple for their sponsorship of the Sunday serving on April 11.

Each time I volunteer at FOF, its all I think about for days. There are so many things that people say that resonate with me. At the end of the day, we are all the same and we are all faced with issues throughout our lives. The only thing that makes a difference is the choices we make and to see people being given the tools to make different choices moves me profoundly.

What I like about FOF is the organization is hands-on and un-bureaucratic. It speaks to my core belief system: accountability, responsibility and taking action. I don't know any other organization that combines giving and doing to this extent. It is truly inspiring.

The last time I was here, I served next to a beautiful young blonde. A man walked up to us to get his food, took one look at this gorgeous girl, promptly gave her a kiss and asked for her phone number. For me it was just another reminder that at the end of the day, we're all the same. This guy didn't see the people serving him as any better or different than he.

-Raylene

Food on Foot means hope for those who have fallen on hard times and want to get back up again. I love and admire the work being done to help those who want to help themselves. It is inspirational each and every weekend.

I like that it isn't just a hand out, rather it's a full cycle program. Not only does it aim to feed those who are hungry, but it continues to help them feed themselves.

This past weekend I had a chance to talk with a young man during the sign-in in process. As I saw him drawing symbols on his paper I looked up and asked if he wanted me to fill it out. He thanked me and said yes and that he couldn't read or write. He opened up a bit and it was touching to hear more about his story and see his genuine appreciation for help.

-Tyson

Food on Foot is a working safety net to catch those who have lost more than things, they have lost themselves. Food on Foot sponsors a dedication to continually better oneself through bettering the world around them.

What I like about Food on Foot is the clear direction of helping those who will help themselves. Food on Foot implements a small goal strategy increasing to large goals building confidence in the individual. The rebuilding of self worth and reintroduction of people into society is important not just for the person but for society. The staff glows with belief in the potential of everyone, both volunteers and participants.

A memorable experience from the serving was the award ceremony. Everyone needs purpose no matter how small. The action of good deeds and recognition for such gave purpose to the participants who genuinely found happiness in meeting the goal.

-David

It is easy to get caught up in our own busy lives focusing on our own issues and concerns. Food on Foot is a reminder that there are those out there with serious problems who need our help. The food service program every Sunday provides clothing and a hot meal to hundreds of our city's struggling men, women and children and the organization provides an opportunity for many of these people to pull themselves off the streets and into more productive and meaningful lives. What defines us as a people is how we treat those among us who are less fortunate. I donate and volunteer at Food on Foot to help those who need a dignified opportunity to help themselves. At times we have all needed a second chance.

My most memorable and meaningful experience as a volunteer at Food on Foot was the opportunity to reward several of the program participants with food vouchers for their exemplary service. Their positive attitudes and appreciation was palpable.

-Jason

I am impressed with Food on Foot and I appreciate the opportunity to support their important work. To hear the stories of those in the program and the program graduates is inspiring. I particularly like how the program offers an opportunity for individuals to be rewarded for hard work as well as for their consistency. Over time the program helps individuals restore their confidence and assimilate into society.

It is one thing to hear that there are 60,000 homeless in LA, it is another to look into their eyes and receive their smiles. In this city of so much it’s hard to imagine that some have so little. It reminds me to look inside and see the many blessings I have and that nothing should be taken for granted.

-Kim

A BIG thank you to Gene Costello and Kevin Sullivan for their sponsorship of Sunday's Hollywood serving.

I came to Food on Foot because I want to help the people I see everyday in large cities like New York and Los Angeles who seem to have fallen by the wayside. It's very easy to feel sorry for an animal and to be motivated to help but when it comes to people, sometimes there is an unwillingness to extend the same spirit of empathy. For me, Food on Foot is an opportunity to help some of my fellow citizens.

I like the kindness that is shown to the people who come - I like the fact that they are asked to participate and to work and that they are given an opportunity to show what they can achieve.

-Dennis

Food on Foot is an amazing organization which helps the ones that need it most get a second chance, they so desperately need. Food on Foot is caring and does wonders for the underprivileged from all walks of life. I learned that bad things can happen to anyone, and you never know. Luckily, there are amazing people in the world that will never turn their back even on a total stranger, like people behind Food on Foot. I am grateful to have experienced the gratitude from the people I served food to. It touched my heart and made me want to do more. Anything I can do to support such wonderful organization. That's why I became the $84 club member.

Originally I am from Russia , and when I came here, my mother couldn't even afford to buy me a piece of gum. We relied on organizations to help feed us, so anything I can do to return that generosity, I am glad to do. Some people just need kindness from a stranger to get back on the right path. We all have a duty to society to help less fortunate, because that's what it means to be a human being.

-Tamara

Food on Foot for me is an organization that really helps the people who want to help themselves. It’s a group of people who generate self esteem and self sufficiency for people in need. Having been cold and hungry at one time myself, I wish is would have had an organization like Food on Foot then.

What I like most about Food on Foot is its independence from government intervention and being run like a business to allow all of the monies to go straight to the needy.

My first experience with Food on Foot was this past Thanksgiving, I was speaking with a young woman who was living in her car because she had lost her job, then her apartment, she has no family. It was her first time at FOF. She was very thankful for the warm meal. I saw her again yesterday Christmas. She seemed upbeat and happy to see a familiar face. She said that she was hopeful to find work shortly and said that our efforts helped her keep her strength. Sometimes small victories are the best.

-Christian

I cannot think of a more rewarding way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Food on Foot gives ordinary people the opportunity to do an extraordinary thing - provide a hot meal with a smile to people that are struggling to make it in a sometimes very unforgiving world. However, Food on Foot does not stop there. Food on Foot's Work for Food program also rehabilitates people by giving them the tools and opportunities they need in order to get off the streets. As a volunteer, you get to see the Work for Food program in action and hear from graduates how the Work for Food program has changed their lives. By supporting Food on Foot, I know I am making a difference in the lives of many people and for this I am truly grateful.

-Melanie

Food on Foot is a wonderful organization that is taking the initiative to help those in need. The directors and staff tirelessly and selflessly organize the weekly feedings and the work programs, and the entire program is funded through private contributions. Food on Foot is a great example of what a compassionate person can achieve by simply having a desire to help his or her community.

What I love about Food on Foot is that the program is extremely effective and efficient. Food on Foot not only feeds the needy, but they also help participants rebuild their confidence through a structured work program.

Being at Food on Foot during a feeding is an overwhelming experience. We are often out of tune with the reality that there are so many people in need of a warm meal; at Food on Foot I am reminded that there are not just homeless men and women in need of food, but also families, children, and disabled individuals that benefit from our small contributions. Seeing everyone patiently waiting in line for a warm meal inspires me to devote more time and resources to helping those in need. Listening to the personal stories of graduates of the work program that have found employment and gotten off of the streets, is a testament to the effectiveness and determination of the staff and participants of Food on Foot.

-Ben

To me, Food on Foot means connecting with the community over our shared, most basic needs. It is empowering to volunteers and members alike in that we both exceed our expectations of what changes we are capable of. Participants overcome their limitations to create their own success and volunteers see the impact their donations of time and money can make. Progress starts on a community level, on the streets of our own city. Food on Foot is special because it is structured in a way that it solves an issue instead of putting a band-aid on it. It's an honor to celebrate the positive changes that these individuals are making in their lives.

-Marisa