Volunteer Spotlight: Margaret O'Leary, Coeur d'Alene
Stepping in to fill a need and inspire hope!
The food bank in Coeur d'Alene operates five days a week and heavily relies on the generous time of community volunteers. For just over two years, Margaret O'Leary has taken the lead on volunteer development and training. Margaret originally came to Community Action Partnership through her church, and began volunteering at the front counter of the food bank. Over time, she recognized the wide range of people that came there. When the paid assistant position was cut, Margaret swiftly stepped in to help facilitate an adequate number of volunteers to make the food bank run. She stated, "I just felt that I could do that job."
Although her official commitment is three days a week, and 4-5 hours per day, she is often there more and fills in when necessary. Margaret handles volunteer intake, scheduling and recruiting. "She makes the best use of the volunteers by finding the opportunities that best suit them," states Carolyn Shewfelt, Food Bank Manager. "Our food bank would not be what it is today without her. She has recruited almost every volunteer we currently have. She comes in and walks around with her clipboard and just handles things: All complaints, making sure everyone is getting along fine, and that team leaders are matched up with our special needs kids. She always has the food bank's best interest at heart and has totally stepped up to the plate to make the food bank thrive."
When asked how the food bank has impacted her life, Margaret said, "It has made me aware of the scope, the huge number of people that have need for basic services. Sometimes we are so insulated and we really need to be more aware of those around us, especially in our own communities." She continued, "I remember a time when Carolyn had received a note in our suggestion box. There was a lady that came in every Tuesday and had developed a good relationship with one of our volunteers. She stated that even if we didn't have any food, she would still come here for the smiles and the uplifting conversation. The volunteers serve much more of a purpose than handing out food.
"I'm hoping the New Year will bring in some new enthusiastic volunteers. We have such a big turnover, but I continue to be amazed how folks show up when others are walking out the door."
To volunteer at the Coeur d'Alene Food Bank, call Margaret at (208) 770-3017.
Margaret O'Leary is retired and has lived in North Idaho for 10 years. Her previous occupation was as a diabetes educator.
Volunteer Opportunity
Join the Tax-Aide Team: More than 5,000 low-to-moderate income taxpayers in Kootenai and Shoshone County were aided in completing and e-filing their federal and state tax returns last year. This season, the program hopes to serve even more. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation's largest free, volunteer run tax assistance and preparation service. Join the team of AARP Volunteer preparers by contacting: (208) 446-6997 or email JackxBack@aol.com. For further information on AARP Foundation, View the website at http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide.
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Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website at www.kootenaiunitedway.org.
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