The Quiet Dedication of a Leader Ready for the Storm
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Bill Sommers. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
While many disaster relief volunteers are recognized for their work in the immediate aftermath of a storm, Bill Sommers’ vital contribution begins long before the clouds gather. Since joining Minuteman Disaster Response in 2017 as part of the relief team, he has transitioned into the role of maintenance coordinator, a position that serves as the backbone of the organization’s operational readiness. For Bill, the mission is simple but high-stakes: if the equipment fails, the mission to serve those in crisis fails along with it.
The scale of Bill’s responsibility is staggering, yet he approaches it with the disciplined focus of a master craftsman. He and his dedicated team manage a fleet of over 30 rolling pieces of equipment, many of which are outfitted with complex onboard generators. His leadership shines brightest during their monthly maintenance days, where he rallies a team of volunteers to turn wrenches and run diagnostics regardless of the blistering heat or freezing rain. Beyond these scheduled sessions, Bill spends countless unscheduled days in the shop during the peak of storm season, ensuring that every vehicle is a reliable sanctuary for those who have lost everything.
Bill’s ingenuity has directly expanded the organization’s reach and capability through remarkable feats of engineering. He spearheaded the effort to convert six former U-Haul trucks into fully functional mobile relief vehicles, transforming standard moving vans into sophisticated tools for disaster recovery. This fleet expansion allows the organization to deploy to multiple locations simultaneously, bringing hope to more communities in the wake of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. His work is not confined to the garage, either; Bill himself has deployed over 17 times, occasionally traveling directly to disaster sites to service equipment in the field under the most demanding conditions.
Bill’s commitment provides a sense of security to his fellow volunteers and a lifeline to survivors. Read on to learn more about his work.
As maintenance coordinator for Minuteman Disaster Response, Bill Sommers leads volunteers who meet monthly to ensure all equipment is in top working order and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Tell us about your volunteer role.
Minuteman Disaster Response started in 2011. Our mission is to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster through the deployment of highly trained and equipped volunteers. We have hooked up with all the emergency response systems because if you go to a disaster, you have to have access to get in; if you aren’t vetted, they will just turn you away. And that’s actually what happened the first time the founders went out in 2011. They went to Arkansas—just four guys in a long trailer with water and supplies—and they got turned away because they didn’t have the proper credentials. On the way back, they stopped for lunch and said, “Boys, we’ve gotta do better than this.” They developed Minuteman Disaster Response from that moment, and it has grown tremendously. This is our 15th year now.
I became the coordinator for the maintenance team, and I have 22 people under me. Usually, the same 10 or 12 regular volunteers show up each month to do the heavy work. Since I live only four miles from where the equipment is stored, I’ll go in two or three times a week to handle the little things, like battery changes, so I don’t have to call my guys in from out of town. When we come back from a deployment, there is always something broken—volunteers can be hard on equipment! I’ve deployed 17 times myself, often doing chainsaw work, and I even taught the chainsaw class for a while. I just turned 75, so I don’t deploy to the field as much anymore. I let the young guys go out and run the chainsaws all day while I stay at the home base. I have plenty of work to do here keeping everything running so that we are always ready to respond.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
I didn’t join until 2017. I retired in 2014 after spending 31 years in the U.S. Post Office, then worked for the county for another eight years and retired from there. Prior to that, I served as a Vietnam veteran and a Bronze Star recipient. While that isn’t volunteer work, it is serving. And then I was looking for something to do. I was retired and didn’t want to just sit around and grow old. In 2017, I saw an advertisement for Minuteman in a local weekly newspaper. They were organizing their first relief team, so I went to the meeting and joined immediately. My first deployment was in April 2017 to Canton, Texas, after a tornado went through. We jumped right into the cleanup work.
As we grew, we obtained a lot more equipment. We realized we had to maintain it because if everything is broken, we aren’t helping anybody. Currently, we have about 30 rolling pieces of equipment. This includes a 53-foot, 28-man bunk house and a 53-foot Incident Command Post filled with computers and big screens. We also have two shower trailers and our own skid steers. Most of these trailers have onboard generators that require oil changes every 250 hours, so you have to stay on top of them. We also have two larger generators that can power our entire base camp.
Why is disaster response so important to you?
When we go out there, we see a wide range of needs. I remember a tornado that went through Dallas, which isn’t far from us. We were down there clearing the streets, and we saw that some of the residents had the means to hire landscaping crews to clean up their yards immediately. But the people we typically help can’t afford any of that. They’re stuck.
Our response team used to go in and work for about three days, but as they were leaving, the homeowners would just be returning. Our guys would be pulling out while the residents were standing there, looking at where their house used to be or where their trees once stood. We realized we couldn’t just leave them high and dry; they were helpless. That’s why we got the relief team started. It’s a vital service because you can’t just walk away when the immediate danger has passed.
A lot of people have the capability of paying to have debris removed, but we try to take care of everyone else—the ones who can’t afford to hire the work out. We talk to the homeowners and explain that we can cut the trees down and stack them at the edge of the road for the county to pick up. Inevitably, they ask, “What is this going to cost? I can’t afford that.” When we tell them it doesn’t cost anything, that it’s free, they usually start crying. They are just so thrilled that we are there to help because they don’t have a clue where to even start. We help get them back on their feet.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
It is just so rewarding. When we arrive, people are often feeling helpless and unsure of where to even start. We come in with a game plan because we’ve done this so many times before. To see them get that little glimmer of hope back is incredibly rewarding. You walk away knowing you’ve helped someone who was basically helpless before you arrived. It’s a really, really good feeling.
Bill Sommers and his MDR maintenance team ensure equipment is mission-ready.
What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?
We’ve expanded significantly. We used to operate within a 400-mile radius, but we’ve gone way beyond that now. Some of our supporters have even offered flights for volunteers. For example, when hurricanes hit Florida or North Carolina, we were able to get our equipment there. One of our sponsors told us that if a volunteer commits to three days of work on the ground, they will fly them there and back for free. That opened up all kinds of possibilities; we can basically go nationwide now.
We’ve established branches in Birmingham, Alabama, San Antonio, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. To support this, we bought used U-Haul trucks and built them out ourselves. We installed shelving, organized equipment on the walls and equipped them with generators and all the power tools we need. These smaller trucks can get into areas where our big trailers can’t fit.
This past year, we were deployed in Kerrville for floods and in West Texas at the same time. Because we are deploying to multiple spots simultaneously, we’re building another bunk house. We have to ensure our people have a place to stay, food to eat and restroom facilities. Our goal is to continue branching out nationwide. We’ve noticed that tornado activity seems to be shifting a bit to the East, which is why we chose Birmingham as a branch location. They have their own equipment guy and a shower trailer there now.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I’ve learned that you can do a lot more than you thought you could, when you really put your mind to it. I’ve also learned that if you lead by example, your team will do anything you ask. I don’t ask my maintenance guys to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself. If you lead by example, provide the right training and give them a little bit of guidance, it’s unbelievable what people can accomplish. Those guys are just great.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
You truly understand the mission when you deploy and help someone clean up what used to be their home. When people are that hopeless and you step in to help, you learn more about yourself. It is a very worthwhile experience. When you walk away from a site, you’ll know exactly why you signed up because the work is just so rewarding.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
In our organization, there’s a place for everyone. I remember we were down in Refugio, Texas, cleaning up a park. I was the only certified chainsaw operator that day, and we had a skid steer running. One of my team members came up and told me he had hurt his back and couldn’t lift any lumber or branches. Now, there was a sign in that park that said, “Beware of Alligators.” I told him, “I’ve got a job for you. Stay here, rake a little brush if you can, but mostly, just watch our backs for snakes and alligators.”
There is a job for everybody. Some people are comfortable learning heavy equipment like the skid steer (I tried it, but it wasn’t my cup of tea) while others prefer chainsaws. You may think you aren’t doing much, but when you put the whole team together, it pays off. There is something for everyone to do.
Anything else you want people to learn from your story?
Minuteman is a great organization with strong leadership. When people join, they are treated with respect and receive the training they need to go as far as they want to go. We understand that life happens; if someone can’t show up because of work or personal commitments, that’s fine. There will be a time when they can. This culture is what has kept me volunteering all these years. I don’t plan on quitting anytime soon—as long as I’m healthy, I’ll be here.
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Kelly Lange. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Kelly Lange has metastatic breast cancer, but that isn’t stopping her from changing the world. After previously being diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 1995, Kelly was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2002. She has undergone endless treatments, seven surgeries and two rounds of radiation. Despite this onslaught of treatment and therapies, she still sees her situation as one of good fortune, and that can largely be attributed to the support system that surrounds her.
Four members of Kelly’s original support group founded an organization called METAvivor, a patient-led, grassroots organization that raises funds toward metastatic breast cancer research. Since 2013, Kelly has served as the leader of the Annapolis regional METAvivor group, a community supporting people with metastatic breast cancer. While doctors are essential components in the course of cancer treatment, Kelly understands that the peer support factor is also necessary. While oncologists are often overworked, the peer-to-peer relationships in support groups can not only serve as an emotional lifeline but also as a drawing board that helps patients identify and communicate their priorities when making treatment decisions. As a result, they can communicate more productively when they do get that coveted one-on-one time with their physicians.
Kelly meets weekly with her support group and arrives with a variety of curated information that members can review on topics ranging from new drug approvals to clinical trials. She also serves as a branch that connects members to people outside the group, facilitating new relationships that might help members navigate their cancer journey more easily. Kelly has seen how essential a role the support group plays, citing evidence that participation reduces anxiety and improves survival and quality of life outcomes for those who are living with MBC. It’s no surprise that more than one member has told her that the group has helped them live longer and better because of the weekly meetings.
Kelly’s willingness to dedicate her time to volunteering for the cause of metastatic breast cancer has changed not only her life, but the lives of countless others. Her dedication shows just how powerful the mission of volunteerism can be.
KELLY LANGE IS THE LEADER OF A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING METASTATIC BREAST CANCER. /COURTESY KELLY LANGE
What inspires you to volunteer?
I have been fortunate enough to be very successfully treated for metastatic breast cancer. I’ve been metastatic for over 23 years, which is highly unusual. A lot of women and men only get a couple of years. In some cases, it’s less than a year, because it can be very aggressive. I’ve been extremely fortunate that the drug I’m still on has been working so well for so long. I’m so stable that I just feel like I need to help everybody else with all the experience that I have. It’s very satisfying.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
Over the years, I’ve amassed a lot of knowledge, and collectively as a group, we have a lot of information, experience and knowledge. It’s extremely helpful, especially when you’re newly diagnosed, to talk to other people who’ve been living with it successfully, and it’s just very satisfying to help other people. It’s just comforting to talk to somebody who’s done the thing you’re about to do.
Tell us about your volunteer role with METAvivor.
I organize the meetings, which means on the day before each meeting, I inform participants of the meeting location, whether it will be held on Zoom or in person. I ensure I’m present for the meeting itself, and then during the meeting, we make sure everyone has a chance to discuss their care, health and the group’s progress. If you’re at a decision point in your treatment, which happens a lot, we talk it through as a group, and we help the member make a list of questions to ask the oncologist. Between meetings, I’ll often get emails from the various members asking to be put in touch with somebody who’s had something done, like a liver biopsy. I’ll connect them, making sure that the person who has the information is okay with me giving out her phone number.
I also serve as the State Captain for METAvivor advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. I served on the METAvivor board of directors for 15 years and served as president of METAvivor for two years.
What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?
To continue the support group meetings for as long as I can, which seems like it’s going to be a while yet, which is great. This support group was originally founded in Annapolis, Maryland, and four members of the original support group founded METAvivor, intending to raise money to specifically fund metastatic breast cancer research and provide support and advocacy for people living with MBC. I’m not volunteering for the nonprofit anymore, but they have training to teach people how to start support groups in their own neighborhoods. It’s about enabling other people to do the same thing. They continue to fund research and have funded more than $30 million of research since our founding in 2007.
The nonprofit continues to grow, and we continue to have new support groups start in various areas all over the country. I just want to keep mine going.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping other people. I really believe that our support group has extended the lives of some people. I think, and there is evidence that membership in a support group extends life when you have metastatic breast cancer. Part of that might be that the kind of people who seek out a support group are the kind of people who are seeking out knowledge, potentially second opinions, reading about it online… that sort of thing. So they’re very informed consumers and self-advocates for their disease. That might be part of it, but it’s definitely true that if you’re in a support group, you can live longer.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I learned from my members all the time. We’ve had a lot of amazing women in the group, and I benefit from their experience, especially the practical tips. For example, when I finally got a port installed for IV therapy, one of the members in my group advised me not to let my doctor put it under my bra strap. That was a really good tip. More profoundly, I found that I can connect with anybody over metastatic breast cancer. It could be somebody that I would not normally have anything in common with, but we can always connect over the issue of metastatic breast cancer in dealing with the disease.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
I think if you care about an issue or a cause, you can feel helpless if you feel like nothing’s changing. If you volunteer and do a little bit to help that cause, it can really help, especially if you’re anxious about whatever your cause is. You do your part, and you feel better about it.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
We haven’t solved the breast cancer problem. People think that if you make it five years, you’re good, and that’s simply not true. We have women in the group who metastasized 20 or 30 years after their initial diagnosis. People think that stage zero doesn’t metastasize, but it does. We’ve had women in the group who had a stage zero cancer who died of metastatic disease. Our average life expectancy is maybe creeping up a little bit for certain breast cancer subtypes. But in general, we’ve spent a fortune on prevention and early detection, but we haven’t changed the metastasis rate. One in three early-stage breast cancer survivors will develop metastatic disease, and when you do, your average life expectancy is around three years, and that hasn’t changed in decades. We continue to lose more than 40,000 people every year in the US. Worldwide, it’s one every 15 seconds, and that hasn’t changed for many, many, many years. So we have not solved the breast cancer problem. We continue to metastasize, and metastatic cancer kills.
FILLING BELLIES AND WARMING HEARTS AT THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRY
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Sophia May. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Sophia May was only 7 years old when she started working at the food pantry. Now, she’s spearheading a movement. While attending church with her grandparents, the family answered the call to help create a food bank for neighbors in need. In that church’s basement, Sophia got her first taste of volunteering when she was asked to sort canned foods. She found that she enjoyed the endeavor and kept at it. The food pantry initiative soon blossomed, and they went on to move to a larger space that could accommodate the needs of more clients. Fast forward a decade, and Sophia is now 17 years old and volunteering as the assistant manager of the same food pantry, now known as the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry, a community food pantry that provides food assistance to residents of 15 villages in the western suburbs of Chicago.
The pantry owes a large part of its success to Sophia, who contributed some vital ideas to its efficiency. With her assistance, the pantry was able to increase the number of people they serve by 25% without increasing hours of operation. Not only does she sort food, manage intake and help neighbors navigate the food pantry with dignity, but she also trains other volunteers to manage tasks so the flow of work can continue more efficiently. Sophia dedicates 12 to 18 hours per month to the pantry, which is quite significant, considering her heavy workload as a high school student.
Because Sophia started volunteering at such a young age, her message to all aspiring volunteers is the reminder that anyone can volunteer, no matter their age. While there may be limitations on what they can do, there’s never a limit on whether or not one can help. Sophia says one of her favorite moments is seeing young people come in with their Scout troops or families to volunteer together. Her message is an important reminder that volunteerism doesn’t have to be limited to adults. Instead, it’s a powerful experience that can be shared by anyone.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
When I was younger, my grandparents and I went to a church in Brookfield, Illinois, and in 2015, there was an initiative in that church to start a food bank for our neighbors in need. We started in the basement 10 years ago. I was 7, so I couldn’t help much, but I could help sort cans. It was work that I really enjoyed doing, and work that I think is really important. So as the food pantry has continued to develop, I’ve continued to be involved in it.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I would say that there’s a lot of injustice in the world. Not just in poverty, but in other areas too. On things like hunger, it’s a very fixable problem where there is enough food produced in the world to ensure that people aren’t going hungry. However, it’s the distribution that’s often the issue, and it’s the monetary barrier. The ability that we have to help our neighbors get those resources, whether it be food or access to opportunities like job training, is really important, because if we can do something about it, why wouldn’t we?
SOPHIA MAY (TOP) CARRIES BINS DOWN THE STAIRS OF THE SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY’S OLD BUILDING. /COURTESY SOPHIA MAY
Tell us about your volunteer role with Share Food Share Love.
I’m an assistant manager, so I help train other volunteers. I make sure things are running smoothly. If there’s an issue that needs clarification or if someone needs help in the office, I can help with that. I’ve done almost every job at the food pantry. Every day, we see somewhere between 40 to 80 neighbors and their families, so we need to make sure all of our shelves are stocked. We have people navigate around with shopping carts and we help them make sure they’re getting all the food they need. We keep track of who’s coming, how many people and the possible demand we have in the future. Then we help them load their things into their cars. That’s more of our neighbor-facing side. We have people sorting food from food drives, making sure nothing is expired or damaged, and people who come in and help clean and organize. My grandma and grandpa do a lot of the administrative work and financial stuff.
What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?
Our long-term goal is to keep helping as many people as possible. It’s a shame that there is such a demand, but we want to be able to meet it. We have some new programs in place. We have our Families First program, which focuses on helping young women and children. We have diapers and feminine care products. We’re growing in terms of the things that we offer. We also have a resource center where we’ve slowly been training people to help our neighbors locate things like assistance with jobs, housing and medical information. We’re really just cementing ourselves as people who our neighbors can turn to in times of need when they need a little bit of support.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
Honestly, the people that I meet. I’ve been volunteering with a lot of the same people for many years, and it’s been really nice to meet that group of people who all come from different experiences and have different perspectives on the world. We all come together to try and help. Also, meeting the neighbors, because it’s nice to see a change in our community. I get to see certain people who come back every month.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I’ve learned a lot about communication. I think it’s much more rewarding to go around and make sure that they’re getting what they want and what they can use for their family. Whether it’s recommending recipes that they can use for things we have an abundance of, or just making sure that the food that they’re getting is the food that they actually want. I think that’s really important, because it’s very easy to just phone it in, but actually putting effort into it makes everyone’s experience better.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
As I mentioned earlier, hunger is a very approachable problem. Changing the way in which we distribute food is difficult, but not impossible. I think it’s important for people to get involved because it’s very easy to get sad or worried about the state of global issues, but it’s also very easy to volunteer a few hours every weekend and help out where you can.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
Find a cause that you care about, whether that be an animal shelter, a food bank or a clothing drive. Find something that you really care about and look for places in the area. You just have to start. There’s no way to easily prepare yourself from afar. You just have to go in not knowing what to expect and try it out. Maybe you’ll like it, and maybe you won’t, but you won’t know until you try. And it’s not a terribly difficult thing to volunteer most time. It’s only a small amount of time and effort out of your day, but it can make someone else’s life a lot easier.
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Olivia Nguyen. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
In 2018, following a major heart surgery, Olivia Nguyen found herself recovering at a Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The comfort and community she found there left a lasting impression, transforming a difficult medical recovery into a source of lifelong inspiration. Determined to contribute to the organization that supported her, Olivia started small by launching a soda tab drive at her school. What began as a student-led initiative quickly expanded into a hands-on commitment across her area, where she now works alongside her mother to prepare balanced, home-cooked meals and desserts from scratch for families whose children are currently receiving critical medical care.
Olivia’s volunteer work is as much about the heart as it is about the hustle. Each shift involves preparing recipes from scratch, packaging and labeling individual servings… all while maintaining a sterile, professional-grade kitchen environment. However, the most vital part of her service is the connection she makes with the families. By sharing her own history as a former RMH resident, she provides a sense of familiarity and hope to those currently in the thick of their own medical struggles.
Olivia’s dedication has created a domino effect within her community. She regularly recruits friends and family to join her in the kitchen. Through Olivia, these volunteers learn that RMH is about far more than just salty treats—though she’ll be the first to admit McDonald’s fries are still her favorite snack. Her efforts have turned a personal recovery story into a recruitment tool, inspiring those around her to see RMH as a vital pillar of support for families in need and motivating them to sign up for regular service shifts.
Looking toward the future, Olivia is transitioning from a volunteer in the kitchen to a lead ambassador for the RMH mission. She recently hosted a major donor, guiding them through the meal preparation process while demonstrating the tangible, real-world impact of their financial contributions. By collaborating with the RMH fundraising director, Olivia is exploring new ways to engage with donors and share her story on a larger stage. Read on to hear more of her inspiring story.
Olivia in a Chicago hospital for her heart surgery in 2019.
Tell us about your volunteer role.
I started by hosting a bottle cap drive in exchange for a pizza party at my old elementary school, because RMH collects those in exchange for funds too. I love helping with their facilities. As I got older and was able to volunteer more, I started contributing to the “Feed the House” program, where I would cook food for people and their families staying here. I would also connect with the families to offer support, empathy or just someone to talk to. I always make sure to bring in friends and family to volunteer with me to widen the circle and invite people to contribute to the Ronald McDonald cause.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
It originated from staying at RMH during the recovery from my heart surgery in Chicago. I learned about all the different programs they offered, and I knew that they really supported me during my stay. So I wanted to make sure that I could contribute to the community that helped me so much and provide other people who are now going through similar things with some support too. During my stay, they did everything, from providing food for us through their feeding programs, and they even offered me a toy drone that I could play with. They had a whole toy closet to help entertain the families.
Why is this issue so important to you?
I know from my experience staying a long time at a hospital, it really takes a toll on not only your physical but also your mental health. So by cooking for the families or just volunteering in any way, I hope that I can provide at least some relief and take something off their plate. I know how stressful those times can be, and I really want the families to just focus on their recovery.
What are your long-term plans or goals with volunteering?
Recently, I hosted a donor family to show them in-person where their donations were going. We worked alongside each other, and while doing so, I was able to share my story with them so that they could see firsthand the impact of their donations. Afterwards, I had a discussion with the director of fundraising at RMHC, where we talked about how we can further expand this work on a broader scale. And that led me to propose an ambassador-style program that could potentially increase donations.
Aside from that, I also want to help spread RMH’s mission to not only donors, but also friends, families and classmates, to increase the support they get and raise awareness for both their cause and the children struggling with their health.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
It’s so rewarding getting to connect with the families and kids staying there and hearing their stories and, in turn, sharing mine. Because sharing those lived experiences heals me, and I hope it helps them to know that they’re also not alone.
Olivia cooking with her older sister at the Fairfax Hospital Ronald McDonald House.
What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?
Besides learning how to make interesting recipes, I’ve learned that although no one has the exact same experiences, there’s always a shoulder to lean on when you share your experience with others. Through learning about others and just listening and connecting, it provides both sides with so much insight and benefits that you can apply to your daily life even further.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
By volunteering and directly interacting with a person-supported cause, you not only help others, but you also learn about a diverse range of people’s experiences. You learn important, real-world lessons that you couldn’t learn by yourself.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
I would just say to just do it, because it’s not only beneficial to the people you’re volunteering for, but also to you. And it can be as little or as big as you want it to be, from cooking meals at RMH to spreading awareness with close friends—so don’t let your hesitation hold you back.
Anything else want people to learn from your story?
I hope that they learn the importance of building and maintaining a good community, and that service is a two-way street. It’s important to find something you actually care about, rather than thinking of it as a chore. This mindset will help you to be more active, do better service and learn more. Which, in turn, has a more lasting impact on the community.
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Tracy Wilson. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Tracy Wilson has lived in many places and is an avid traveler. She’s brought her lifelong dedication to volunteering to each community she’s been a part of and has put in more than 5,600 hours over the last 20 years. So, when she and her family put down roots in Lodi, California, it was only a matter of time before she started leveraging her knowledge and experience to help others.
As a big sister and with a background in education, she’s always been drawn to work with youth. Over two years ago, Tracy joined the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission as an adult advisor to guide high school students in implementing youth-focused programs that promote community engagement, personal development and volunteerism. The Commission creates pathways for their voices in city government while enabling them to address real community needs affecting their peers.
What inspires you to volunteer?
My faith has always been what drives me to help others. I grew up in Memphis and watched my grandmother feed and give to our community selflessly. My parents were always the first to help others in need. They instilled in me that we have a responsibility to lift others up wherever we are.
Tracy Wilson, adult advisor to the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, helps build and guide student leaders as they host events and service projects for their peers.
Tell us about your volunteer role with Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission.
The Commission brings together nine high school student commissioners from across the school district and six adult advisors to create safe, fun and meaningful opportunities for our youth. We guide them and give them the skillset to bring their vision to life.
Together, with local businesses and nonprofits, we fundraise for scholarships and various programs. We host the annual `Pigskin Fall Dance that brings over 800 young people together each year. And we participate in Love Lodi Day, a city-wide movement to champion volunteerism and doing good throughout our community with additional service projects throughout the year. For example, last year, our commission organized free swim lessons for teens, and this year we’re sponsoring a free CPR/AED/First Aid certification day.
I help young people understand budgeting, goal setting and stewardship, principles they can carry into their everyday lives that help build foundations for their future. My duties also include attending monthly meetings, facilitating discussions on youth issues and coordinating with city staff and community partners.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
When my family and I moved to Lodi, I knew I wanted to continue volunteering. I’ve always been passionate about empowering youth and helping communities build financial literacy. So, when I learned about the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, it felt like the perfect fit.
Serving on this commission also allows me to honor the legacy my grandmother and my parents gave me while helping shape the next generation of leaders. When young people have access to safe spaces, strong mentors and practical skills, they become the leaders their communities need.
When people at any age understand how to manage money, build businesses and create generational wealth, they gain the power to change their own circumstances and lift others up in the process. We’re not just changing individual lives; we’re reshaping the future of entire communities.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
I love seeing their ideas come to fruition. They inspire other youth to get involved, and they start building bridges with organizations across our community. Watching them discover that they have the ability to create tangible impact is everything. We get to see our commissioners’ confidence and leadership skills improve over time and know we’re a part of that.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Young people are far more capable and insightful than we often give them credit for. When given the space and support, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that move our community forward.
I’ve learned how valuable it is when young people are exposed to different perspectives and ways of thinking and how important it is to listen to those we serve. Real change happens when we create opportunities for them to lead, not just participate. When they see themselves as change-makers, they rise to the occasion every single time. They inspire me.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
When we step up for causes we care about, we don’t just fill in the gaps in our community; we build connections. We inspire others to join us, and we create a culture where everyone can contribute, support and empower one another.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
Start by thinking about what you’re passionate about and what skills or talents you can bring to the table. Look into local organizations that align with your values. Attend city council or town hall meetings to discover community needs or start something small in your own neighborhood. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Start where you are with what you have.
The most important thing is to listen to those that you’re helping. Listen to what their needs are, what they care about and what their problems are. The world doesn’t need more spectators. It needs people willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. And when you give your time and heart to a cause you care about, you will find that you receive far more than you ever give.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
Impact isn’t built overnight. It’s the cumulative power of showing up again and again over time. My hope is that my story reminds others to contribute, no matter how small it may seem. Your unique experiences and skills are all valuable gifts that can impact someone else’s life.
MATH IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THIS COLLEGE STUDENT’S VOLUNTEERISM
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Skyler Perez. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Skyler Perez didn’t always love mathematics, but the power of volunteering got him there. Growing up in New York, Skyler wasn’t a huge fan of learning math in school and found the subject “annoying.” Around the age of 8 or 9, he was introduced to the National Museum of Mathematics, an award-winning museum that highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us. Suddenly, his perspective on the subject of math changed. He began to see it from a different perspective and came to love the subject.
By the time he was a high school senior, Skyler saw that the museum was accepting applications for volunteers. He applied and got in, and for the last two years, he has dedicated over 1,000 total hours to helping hundreds of visitors each day. Skyler’s tasks can range from hosting interactive exhibits and supporting educational programming to helping facilitate special events and ensuring the museum provides a welcoming environment for the diverse families and school groups that walk through the museum’s doors on a daily basis.
Now a college student studying criminology, which has some mathematical components, Skyler’s goal is to hit 4,000 volunteer hours. While he’s at 1,100 hours right now, it’s safe to say that he won’t have any trouble hitting that mark. But that’s not the real reason Skyler volunteers his time with the museum. When asked what inspires him to take 70 hours a month out of his busy schedule as a college student to perform volunteer work, Skyler shared that he hopes to make the world a better place, one hour at a time. He also noted that the volunteer work has vastly helped his skills in public speaking and community engagement, two things he struggled with beforehand. Skyler’s experience is a powerful example of how volunteerism can not only transform a community but also transform each of us, as well.
SKYLER PEREZ, A VOLUNTEER AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MATHEMATICS, SPORTS HIS MUSEUM UNIFORM TO GUIDE GUESTS THROUGH THE POPULAR NEW YORK MUSEUM. /COURTESY SKYLER PEREZ
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
I love the field of mathematics, and I wanted to channel it into something that could help the community. What better way to do that than to volunteer my time where I used to go when I was younger? I saw they have volunteer applications open during my senior year of high school, so I decided to apply because I love math.
Tell us about your volunteer role with the National Museum of Mathematics?
Usually, I greet visitors and show them how to use the interactive exhibits. For example, when it comes to large exhibits like the Square-Wheeled Tricycle, I’ll usually stand next to it and wait for visitors to come and take a look. I’ll ask if they want to try it, and I’ll guide them to use it safely. If I’m in front of the museum, I will greet them and tell them what’s there at the museum and where everything is.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding thing is probably watching all the kids have a good time, knowing that I played a role in it. Most people think math is just a time-consuming subject with a bunch of numbers, but the exhibit is meant to show them a different perspective.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Public speaking and community engagement were the two most important things I didn’t have before I started volunteering. I’m sometimes at late-night events where I give everyone specific instructions on what to do. When it comes to school groups, I give the kids specific instructions on what to do and what not to do in the museum.
How important is it for you to share your love of mathematics with the kids?
I think it’s very important because I grew up thinking math was an annoying subject. But when I went to the museum when I was younger, around age 8 or 9, I realized a different perspective. That’s not true, and I hope that will happen to other kids as well.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
It contributes to your self-esteem. It contributes to your identity when you know you’re making an impact on a mission that you’re passionate about. That’s the main reason. Another one is helping the community.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
It might be scary at first, but once you start, it’s easier in the long run. Today, you can even use artificial intelligence sites to automatically generate a list of nonprofit organizations that offer potential volunteer opportunities.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
Whenever you can, make the world a better place, even if it’s only a small amount.
The Dedicated Young Leader Bringing Kindness to Crisis
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Brody Landes. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Brody Landes has seen firsthand how deep empathy and focused action can transform lives and communities. As the leader of the Take Care Initiative, a youth-led project powered by SaLT (Service and Learning Together), Brody has channeled his passion into a powerful force for comfort and support. The initiative is designed to reach those facing the toughest times—whether from natural disasters, economic hardship or local tragedies—with intentional acts of kindness. Brody’s role involves everything from collecting essential donations to organizing the assembly and distribution of care packages and support items, a commitment that sees him devoting around 30 hours a month to service.
Under Brody’s guidance, the Take Care Initiative has sent over 2,000 care packages to Los Angeles firefighters, a gesture of gratitude and support for those on the front lines. Beyond first responders, Brody has also focused on those facing personal battles, delivering hundreds of birthday cards to children through Make-A-Wish, bringing a moment of joy into difficult health journeys. And, after devastating floods, he mobilized the initiative to send more than 400 cards and support bracelets to girls and families at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country, offering encouragement and a reminder that they were not forgotten.
Brody’s hands-on leadership style ensures that these initiatives are more than just distribution services—they’re community-building efforts. He not only encourages volunteers to get involved but also actively leads during events, organizing, coordinating and making sure everyone feels included and has a meaningful role. This approach has created a sense of collective purpose toward providing tangible relief, hope and human connection. This young leader is not simply overseeing a project; he is actively weaving a stronger, kinder safety net for his community, and showing others how they, too, can step up and make a difference.
Brody carrying bags filled with food for a Shop N’ Drop event powered by SaLT.
Tell us about your volunteer role.
I work with SaLT, which stands for Service and Learning Together. We’re a local community-based organization, right here in Highland Park, which is where I go to school. At Highland Park High School, we have about 20 interns, and there is also a student board; I’m on that board.
With SaLT, we have different branches. There’s Shop and Drop, which helps local families fight food insecurity. We have Love to Learn, which is a local tutoring program at the library nearby. And then we have Take Care Packages, which helps communities in crisis. We started with migrants coming through the area and then shifted when we saw other communities in crisis. For example, when the L.A. wildfires were going on, we made care packages for the firefighters in L.A. During the New Orleans shooting, we sent care packages to students and teachers in the New Orleans area. And with the floods at Camp Mystic this past summer, we sent care packages and notes to the girl campers.
My role is a lot of getting other younger students involved. I’m a senior at my high school. We have students from nearby schools, like Lake Forest, which is a neighboring town, as well as Highland Park High School students, who come in and volunteer with us. I’m a very social person, so I’m really able to get everyone connected when we’re doing our service work. We meet twice a month for Shop and Drop, and I feel like I’m a very big advocate of making the culture of SaLT a big impact. I try to connect people who maybe don’t know each other—they’re from different high schools—and I find that that makes the service a lot more fun and more meaningful.
It’s just a really great community that I’m able to help cultivate at SaLT because of that social aspect. I’m also a hard worker, and I really understand what the goal is and why service work is so important. Especially with what we do, so many families locally are facing food insecurity or so many communities are in need of help. We’re sending these care packages, and I really feel like I have a deep understanding of what’s needed and why. Little by little, what we do is so helpful to these communities.
Which part of the program are you most passionate about?
Definitely Take Care Packages. I was one of the founders of that initiative. As a Highland Park student in 2021, we had a Fourth of July shooting during a parade, and we were given so much support during that time. It really helped me see and feel what these other communities are going through. Even if it’s not directly the same thing, just knowing there are other towns and other people out there supporting you is what makes me want to keep going with all the service that I give to my community, and to other communities around me. I think that’s why Take Care is such a big part of my life and why I love doing it so much.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
My science teacher from eighth grade is one of the sponsors of SaLT, as well as my uncle. That’s what really got me into it, but I don’t think I would have come back if I didn’t enjoy it. I remember in eighth grade, I wasn’t as into volunteering, but as high school came, and especially after the tragedy we had locally on the Fourth of July in 2021, I saw how much my community had done, and what other communities gave to us. I saw how that impacted me and how I wanted to impact others.
The people I referenced earlier are kind of what got me started, and then I keep coming back just because all the people around me make it what it is. It’s such a great community, and I love being able to foster that for upcoming young students younger than me. I feel like I’m able to shift it—make it more like a happy, welcoming place—and that’s what I want to do for the SaLT community now.
Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about.
Well, as one of our sponsors for Shop and Drop calls it, we just had our “Super Bowl” this past weekend, which is Day of Giving. We supported 200 local families. That was really what we work toward every year, and it just ended on Saturday. Upcoming, there’s a lot of community work, and we reach out whenever we see those communities in crisis.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
I think it’s the experiences I have and the people I’ve met. With the experiences, I’ve become so much more of a social person because of it; I’ve come out of my shell. I was a little shyer before I got into all my service work. And now, I just have so many stories to tell. I’ve been to places that I wouldn’t have imagined and done things I wouldn’t have imagined. For example, with SaLT, I did a service learning trip to Orlando in February of 2025. We went to Give Kids The World, and I got to work with kids facing illnesses at their facility. It was just an experience I could have never imagined.
The feeling in my heart—that’s what I keep coming back for. That way, I was able to make connections with the students I went on the trip with, but also people from all across the world who just wanted to find happiness at Give Kids The World. I felt like I was able to give that to them, and that was such a great feeling for me.
What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?
SaLT has nine guiding principles that we work by, and I think a lot of those principles are how I approach my service work now. A few examples are “Little by Little,” which means every little thing that you do really makes a difference. No matter what, if you do something little by little, you’re going to be able to get to the goal you’re working towards. I see that with our service work; when we’re filling bags full of food, for instance, little by little, donations and all these small things build up to something way bigger that we’re able to do for our community.
We also have “Respect First, Then Serve.” We always want to make sure we understand what we’re doing before we actually serve. On my SaLT trip, especially, we journaled to make sure we were getting the best experience out of our service work. We didn’t want to just do it because we were there; we wanted to understand what the families were going through, what these kids were going through and make sure we were able to give the best service possible to these groups.
Brody filling bags with socks and hats during Day of Giving.
Why is it important for others, especially youth, to get involved with causes they care about?
I think it’s so important for youth to get involved because it fosters such a different mindset than you normally experience in high school or other things. In high school, you’re working so much for yourself—you want to get your best grades, you want to be the most popular. But when I go to my service work, I’m working with a bunch of other students toward a common goal. We’re fostering this amazing community together. Just working toward this common goal is something that you don’t really see in other aspects of your life, especially as a high school student where you’re all trying to be the smartest or trying to get into the best colleges. It’s a completely different way of looking at things.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
Just reach out. If you know anyone that’s involved, really talk to them and they’ll give you a lot of insight. I think everyone who volunteers has a great time doing it, especially around me with SaLT, but I know other people, too, around the country who have the same experiences. It’s just such an amazing group of people. You really don’t find a community that gives as much as volunteer people do. They’re always trying to help and look out for more. And I think it’s just so great to see, especially with youth volunteers, how much time and effort they’re willing to give. It’s truly a step away from the normal life you live.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
Service has kind of been what’s gotten me through high school. I’ve made probably half of my friends through service, which going into high school I would have never expected. It’s become my biggest extracurricular. I was such a big athlete before high school. And I loved sports, but it didn’t feel like that was what I wanted to continue doing. Once I got into SaLT, I realized how much of it really is a part of me now, and it’s become truly what I feel makes me the best version of myself. That’s why I keep coming back, because I see all these friends I’ve made, and I see all these experiences I’ve had, and those things have made me who I am now.
Volunteer Uplifts Her Community Through Service and Advocacy
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Karla Valentin. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
When the call goes out for help in Boston, Karla Valentin is often the first to answer. A long-time volunteer with Embrace Boston since 2024, Karla has become a cornerstone of the organization’s efforts through her proactive, agile spirit. Whether it’s a last-minute request or a high-stakes event, she arrives with an eagerness that transforms the energy of the room. Karla is a natural community builder who has recruited a network of friends and neighbors into the fold, ensuring that the spirit of service grows exponentially through the people she inspires.
Having been present at the city’s most significant cultural milestones, Karla’s been a tireless force within the 2024-2025 Signature Series, contributing hours and hours of service to both the 5e Freedom Rally and the annual Juneteenth celebrations. To her volunteer manager, who began leading the team in April 2025, Karla represents the ideal volunteer, showing up not just when it’s convenient, but when the community needs her most. Her reliability in time-sensitive situations has made her an indispensable asset to the city.
However, Karla’s heart for service is felt in many other corners of the community, stretching back nearly a decade. For over eight years, she has dedicated herself to the protection of the vulnerable, serving as a board member and monthly volunteer for Enough Abuse. In this role, she works to raise awareness around the critical issues of child sexual abuse and trafficking, proving that she is as comfortable in a leadership boardroom as she is on the front lines of a rally. Even with such heavy responsibilities, Karla remains grounded in the basic needs of her neighbors. On the third Saturday of every month, she can be found at the Hyde Park Food Pantry, personally distributing food to families. Her outreach continues through Greater Love Health Ministries, where she spends every other month advocating for community health awareness.
Karla helps paint one of the Boston Public Schools.
Read on to hear more of Karla’s inspirational story: how it all started, and why she does what she does.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
I got involved with Embrace Boston through Michael Curry, who used to be the NAACP president. I’d volunteered around Boston, and I realized it was something I love and cherish. I got involved with volunteerism in the first place through my father’s activism work that he did in Boston. I saw something so powerful in Embrace. The organization talks about how we are all one. And it’s the truth. At the end of the day, we are all one, and we all want the same things to move forward. That’s how I became so involved. I did the rallies, and as I kept volunteering, I realized I wanted to do more and more of it.
Tell us about your volunteer role.
A lot of times I’m ushering. Making sure people know where they’re going, just spreading awareness. Like, “Here’s the brochure, we’re talking about this,” and just making sure people are guided the right way. I follow my leader’s plan. Embrace is always keeping us involved in things. They always keep you updated with emails and things like that when it comes to different actions. For the whole MLK weekend, there’s always something to do, every day. And even through Juneteenth, I’m involved with that. I volunteer at the receptions, the marches, the parades. It’s pretty dope
Why is this issue so important to you?
I think for me personally, it’s being a Black woman. As far as Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife and what they stood for—what he stood for was equality, being a part of something, having your voice raised. And I think Embrace is so important, even for now and even for our future. They hold a standard. And they truly involve and embrace everybody of all cultures and backgrounds, and I think that’s so important especially right now.
Of course, the City of Boston is more liberal, but you still have certain people who don’t believe equality. I really believe that Martin Luther King was about that. I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee. My father was involved in that activism in Memphis, and then he moved to Boston. I think activism is just so important, and that’s why I love what I do with Embrace. Like I said, they always keep you up to date with different information.
What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?
For me, learning is listening to different people speak about the different statistics that are going on in the world—not just in Boston, but everywhere. Things related to equality, regarding race, how to deal with these different things. I’ve learned a lot of history too, even with Juneteenth. You know, it’s so funny, because I’ve been in Boston all my life, since I was three years old, and even when I started with Embrace, I didn’t realize how many Black people were doing so many things around the Boston area until Embrace came about.
Of course, I’m part of the NAACP, but Embrace really breaks it down and they invite everybody to the party. When they have different things, they’re not asking you for tickets or anything like that; it’s free. It’s information about rallies, about freedom, about history. They get everybody involved, and it’s just something that people should embrace. That’s what I feel.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
Meeting people. You know, you live in Boston all this time, you just don’t know who these people are. And you get to have these conversations, and I think that’s really important. I know a lot of people; my father was a bishop here in Boston and had over eight churches under him, and also my family, we have a beauty salon in Boston. So I know a lot of people. But when you go to some of the Embrace events, you meet so many powerful people—Black, White, Latino—and you get to meet these people and learn their journey. They just didn’t pop up overnight; they’ve been doing this in the background for a long time. They’ve been fighting the fight, and they continue to fight.
I tell people a lot about Embrace. Even my friends. I’m like, “You need to get involved in Embrace.” One of my friends—she’s so funny because I went to an all-white school. Three of my friends actually signed up for Embrace because they wanted to know more. I think that’s so interesting, because when I was going to school, they didn’t talk about Black history like they do now. I learned Black history from home and the NAACP. Like I said, I learn a lot from just meeting new people. I think volunteering is just the best, because you learn so much.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
I think it’s so important to volunteer because you get to you get to meet people and, you know, rub your elbows with people. You’re like, “Oh my god, I see you on TV. I didn’t think you’d ever talk to me, have a conversation.” But you have these conversations and you find out “Oh, you’re just like me.” We’re all the same people, regardless of color or status or whatnot. We’re all learning from each other, and I think that’s so important. I love volunteering. I know some people are like, “Why do you do that?” and “Isn’t it a lot of work?” It is. But you know what? It’s all for a good cause, and that’s why I love doing it.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
I say take that time out and do it. You know, people are always on this kick about self-care. Well, this is self-care, too. When you’re volunteering, because you know you’re doing some good for somebody else, you’re reaching out and you’re finding out what the organization is all about. Then you can be aware, and then you talk about it, and then you share it with other people. It’s self-care. It makes you feel good.
I say take that one step. It’s one step at a time. And it’s so funny, because when I became a volunteer with Embrace, I was never scared about doing it. Even though I remember one of the rallies it was raining and I’m like, “Oh Lord, I just got my hair done, I don’t want to get my hair wet!” But you know what? That day was so powerful because I learned so much. Take that chance and go for it. Take a leap. Just take a leap.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
I think that Embrace is powerful, and it’s for the future. Embrace is peaceful, and it’s protection. You feel protected, and you feel like you know what’s going on. I think there is something powerful in this organization, for everybody around the country, especially with what’s going on in the world. You know the saying, “Keep on keeping on.”
How a Family Turned Their Lawn into 10 Tons of Hope
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Jean-Marie & Cory Buxton. Read their story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
In 2018, Jean-Marie and Cory Buxton looked at their one-acre property in Corvallis, Oregon, and saw more than just a yard. They saw an opportunity to feed their community. By removing one-third of their lawn to plant organic crops and dedicating another third as a fruit orchard, the couple launched the Farmette Project with a simple philosophy: grow-to-give. Seven years later, that vision has blossomed into a staggering reality. As of the 2025 season, the family has reached a monumental milestone, delivering 10 tons of free, fresh produce to neighbors facing food insecurity, local food banks and nearby Native American tribes.
The operation is a labor of love that requires grit and creativity, often demanding up to 160 hours a month during the peak summer season. To keep the project self-funded without taking a salary, Jean-Marie leverages 25 years of experience as a soap maker, selling handmade crafts to cover expenses and purchase high-value produce, like melons and berries, at discounted rates. This sweat equity is matched by deep community ties, as the couple spends hours harvesting in Oregon State University’s Dry Farming Collaborative fields and gleaning surplus from local partners.
The Buxtons’ work creates a vital bridge between agricultural abundance and those facing food insecurity. For 12 weeks each summer, they coordinate deliveries to partners like St. Vincent DePaul and coastal Native American tribes, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches tables that need it most. The project has become a masterclass in logistics and heart, securing farm matches where every dollar spent on produce is doubled in value by generous farmers. As one private donor noted, the project provides a grateful outlet for families who grow more than they can consume, turning excess harvest into community sustenance.
Driven by the core values that fresh food matters and that a single family can make a difference, the Buxtons show no signs of slowing down. After meeting their 10-ton goal, they are already looking toward the 2026 season, bolstered by a contribution from a Native American tribe to secure future farm matches. Whether they are saving seeds, organizing volunteers or selling crafts to fund the next harvest, Jean-Marie and Cory prove that the “power of one” can ripple outward, transforming a patch of grass in Corvallis into an engine for greater food security and community connection.
Tell us about your volunteer role.
Jean-Marie: In 2018, my family bought a one-acre property in Corvallis, Oregon, and started a food justice project named The Farmette Project. We removed a portion of our lawn and started to grow-to-give. We solicited fruit and vegetables from private donors, commercial farms and Oregon State University. We contacted nearby Native American tribes to assess their need and interest. We began delivering food weekly during peak season to local food banks, to free food stands and to Native American reservations. In 2025 we hit our goal of delivering 10 tons of free fresh produce!
Cory: Alongside Jean-Marie, I share in the work of The Farmette Project: growing, harvesting and gleaning fresh fruits and vegetables from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and driving it to our partner’s food distribution center on the coast.
Why is food security so important to you?
Jean-Marie: Fresh food matters. So often people facing food insecurity don’t have access to fresh produce and I can directly impact that with my front yard. I can pick fruits and vegetables from donors and deliver it. It matters to me that beautiful fruit grown in the lush valley I live in flows to the food desert pockets around us, and I have agency to help make that happen. It matters to me that Native American elders and families around us feel seen and have access to this beautiful fresh produce.
Cory: The number of Americans living with daily food insecurity, and without access to fresh fruits and vegetables, is both a national crisis and a needless condition. Ample fresh food is grown in this country to feed us all. Too often there is a lack of connection between food production and food distribution.
Fresh produce from the Buxtons’ grow‑to‑give project is prepared for delivery to local food‑insecure communities. /Courtesy Jean‑Marie & Cory Buxton
What inspired you to get started with The Farmette Project?
Jean-Marie: I’m a social worker by training, and as a young person I volunteered on a Native American reservation. I saw old, low-quality food distributed to people as commodities. It made me want to be someone who gave people the opposite—the freshest, highest quality food. When we landed on our one acre in Oregon, I knew we could start to make this dream come true.
Cory: When we moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley eight years ago, we were struck by how much produce went to waste each year. Fresh fruit was literally decomposing on the ground because there was such abundance. Simultaneously, the Oregon coast, only an hour’s drive away, does not have the climate to grow fruit and vegetables, and there are numerous communities classified as food deserts. We felt that we could help to connect these communities.
What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?
Jean-Marie: We met our initial goal of delivering 10 tons of free fresh produce, and plan to continue making deliveries in the coming years. We are committed to creating stronger institutional connections between our communities.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
Jean-Marie: Building the relationship with the tribe has been the most rewarding part of the project. There is real joy in it. Reaching the 10-ton goal was also great—it has been very fun to see something we set in motion hit its mark.
Cory: The most rewarding part for me is feeling that this project has been a “win” for everyone involved. We get the reward of knowing that we have done meaningful work that is valued by our partners. Patrons who supported our fundraisers knew their money was going to direct action at the local level. Our grower-partners know that the food they are giving is going quickly and directly to where it is needed. Our food-receiving partners know they can consistently offer fresh produce to their clients in summer.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Jean-Marie: I’ve learned that showing up consistently and building relationships are what matters most. We don’t have to wait. We can take action ourselves and enroll people into our vision.
Cory: The volunteer experiences I had as a young person (most notably as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala from 1989 to 1992) were fundamental to shaping decisions I have made throughout my life. I have always known that it is important for young people to have experiences volunteering. The Farmette Project has reminded me that making time to volunteer is still important for people of all ages.
Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?
Jean-Marie: Do what you can, when you can. I did little when my kids were young, and feel lucky to have gotten to design and execute a project based on our own vision in our own time. Volunteering and creating your own service project is such a great opportunity for self-expression.
Cory: Current research as well as popular media are full of studies and stories about how in our modern society, many people feel increasingly disconnected, powerless and depressed. Doing something meaningful, no matter how small, for a cause you care about can serve as a counter to negative feelings.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
Jean-Marie: Create what you want to see, and remember you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are thousands of points of light out there showing us how it’s done.
Cory: While there are many great organizations that provide volunteer opportunities, remember that if you don’t have access to an existing opportunity that excites you, you can always create your own. Don’t be afraid to be an entrepreneurial volunteer!
A High School Senior’s Friendly Fridge Solution to Food Insecurity
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Sophia Birman. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
Sophia Birman, a senior at Bronx Science High School in New York City, is already making a profound impact on her community. While she is a dedicated advocate for gender equity in STEM, her most recent community service triumph addresses a vital need for food access. Recognizing that many food-insecure New Yorkers struggle to access traditional food pantries due to limited operating hours, Sophia, in her role as director of policy on the NYPD 52nd Precinct Youth Leadership Council, co-founded the “Friendly Fridges” initiative, a powerful, round-the-clock solution.
The need for a novel approach was especially urgent in the Bronx, the NYC borough facing the highest level of food insecurity. Sophia and her peers created “Friendly Fridges” to be free, communal refrigerators accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project required significant dedication; over a concentrated four-month effort, Sophia invested considerable time and talent into research, reporting, calculating solutions and building an implementation plan. Her outreach was extensive, including contacting over 300 local businesses to secure location, materials and stocking partners. Ultimately, this hard work resulted in a successful collaboration with Part of the Solution (POTS), a longtime Bronx nonprofit and food pantry.
The inaugural Friendly Fridge, which Home Depot donated at no cost, is connected to the exterior of the POTS food pantry. This single location now provides over 250 free meals to the community every day. For example, ahead of every Sunday when the pantry is closed, POTS staff stock the fridge with between 200 and 300 meals. They also ensure the fridge is stocked before closing on other days, solving the critical issue of access when pantries are shut. Though she serves on the Youth Leadership Council, which only meets 45 minutes a week, Sophia continues to dedicate approximately 12 hours each month to the ongoing, year-round operation.
Looking ahead, Sophia’s team is focused on expansion. The Friendly Fridges initiative is currently broadening its partnerships, with seven organizations agreeing to host a new fridge and 30 organizations—including large grocery chains such as Whole Foods—committed to stocking them. Sophia continues to personally lead outreach efforts, coordinating future fridges, securing materials, and ensuring food safety. Her positive and hopeful dedication to solving food insecurity for low-income communities in the Bronx proves that a simple, brilliant idea, backed by exceptional student leadership, can open doors to consistent community support.
Sophia Birman, co-founder of the Friendly Fridge project, collaborates with members to decorate a community fridge before it’s placed in the neighborhood.
Tell us about your organization and volunteer role.
I co-founded the “Friendly Fridges” project through the New York Police Department’s Youth Leadership Council Program. This is a city-wide program where different police precincts partner with a public high school to foster better community relations and create a community service project. My school was chosen to partner with the 52nd Precinct, and I was selected to be part of the council.
My school is in the North Bronx, one of the most food-insecure areas in the city. When we started meeting, we discussed what we could do to help our community, and what the biggest need was. We first noticed issues like homelessness and drug problems, but we began realizing that the root cause of much of this was a lack of food access. We saw that a lack of food access can lead to worse education outcomes and impede someone from attending a job. We identified food access as the biggest root cause, especially considering that, statistically, one in five people in the Bronx are food insecure, which is 5% more than any other borough in New York. That was how we initially got the idea to target food access and create the Friendly Fridge project.
What inspired you to get started with this initiative?
When we were thinking about food access, we recognized that a lot of food pantries were already there. We have these resources, but somehow the system is still failing. We started putting the numbers together: most food pantries, for example, close at 3 p.m., but most working-class people are working until 5 p.m. and are not able to get to the food pantry in time for dinner. Or, sometimes they can be closed on Sundays or one day a week. And people need food all days of the week.
We realized we couldn’t make these food pantries work 24/7; we understood that’s not structurally feasible. But we asked, “What can we do to solve for these gaps in the working hours?” That’s how we identified 24/7 community fridges. Our business model is that we partner with local organizations—restaurants, grocery stores or food pantries—to install a fridge outside of their storefront, and they help stock it. We put food in it either every day or every week.
This way, people can access food 24/7. It’s completely open; you can just open it up and take some food for yourself. While we knew there were other community fridges throughout the Bronx run by community members who donate, we wanted to ensure a more constant flow of food, which is why we wanted to partner with institutions like restaurants and grocery stores that could provide this consistent supply.
Why is fighting food insecurity so important to you?
Food insecurity is truly the gateway for so many other issues. At the most basic level, food is a necessity for survival. For anyone to be able to get a job, for example, to help themselves get out of poverty, they need to have food access to survive on. We have so many systemic issues, but I think a lot of them are just exacerbated by the lack of food access on many levels. The idea of expanding food access was not only because it’s the biggest issue facing our localized precinct, but also because all these more difficult and complex institutional issues, such as lack of access to education and lack of access to jobs, we thought could be solved through improving food access.
What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?
We’re trying to expand to even more locations. As I said, we have one fridge that’s up and running, but we’ve encountered some logistical issues that we are trying to resolve. In general, going forward, we are focused on expanding to more places. We’re partnering with a food pantry that is willing to both host the fridge and provide the food, but we are hoping to negotiate some more complex agreements that would allow for even more fridges. For example, having a restaurant host the fridge, but having a grocery store stock it with non-perishables. Whole Foods, for one, has indicated that they might be willing to stock a fridge with items from their grocery store, which is amazing. Overall, the goal is just expanding for more fridges throughout the Bronx.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
When we launched our first fridge, it took a lot of phone calls. We called over 300 businesses and grocery stores and things of that nature. Actually being able to install our first fridge was so rewarding. We came that day, we decorated, we painted the entire fridge and we installed it on the exterior. It was great because for a very long time we had theorized about this, but we knew it would be difficult to figure out the logistics. We had no funding. We had to organize for Home Depot to donate the fridge and then ask someone to store it outside of their storefront. I think that was definitely the most rewarding part of it, but it’s really just the idea that we’re making a difference. The idea that we’re seeing this fridge being restocked almost every day, and that people are actually using these resources, I think, is truly impactful.
What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?
Logistically, the impact is really in the small details. It was us noticing, “Okay, food pantries close at 3 p.m., but people get off work at 5 p.m. That two hours doesn’t line up.” It was noticing that small detail that allowed us to see these systemic gaps and actually fix them.
Maybe one lesson I learned is not to always look at the big picture. Don’t think I need to make a big, sweeping reform. Looking at these small things and thinking, “How can I change this?” is what can actually lead to long-term change.
Something else is drawing on lived experiences. My council, which created this project together, comes from all five boroughs of the city and lots of different backgrounds. The way we came to this idea was not one person saying, “Hey, I think we should do this.” It was through lots of iterations, using, “I actually have a fridge in my community, and it doesn’t work because of this,” or, “I’ve noticed this in other communities, and it works because of this.” We came up with a solution by taking all of our observations and unique backgrounds.
Why is it important for others, especially youth, to get involved with causes they care about?
Overall, I think it’s our duty as citizens and members of our society to be committed to bettering the circumstance for everyone. This is for a moral idea, but also just the fact that we are a society that grows collectively. If I’m able to help someone, give them food access and that enables them to get a job, that could enable them to innovate something or just help keep our society running. We are more interdependent on one another than we realize.
Specifically for youth, I think youth are the future of the nation. Sometimes we are put down, or we put ourselves down as, “We’re very young. We can’t change anything.” But I think it’s noticing these small things that we can change and then using those experiences so that when we get into those higher positions of power, when we become policymakers, we’re able to draw back on these experiences and create even more change. I also think we kind of have a unique perspective on things that adults may not realize, just because of the way we’ve encountered life differently, especially growing up in the technological era. Recognizing our unique insights is key.
Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
It can definitely feel scary to create your own initiative. So, if you want to start volunteering, whether you’re in a big city or a rural town, there’s always space for you to volunteer where you’re always going to be appreciated. As I said, we try to foster a really collaborative environment in our project, and I know that many other initiatives tend to do so as well. It can even be online, and even the smallest thing makes a difference. I also think if you want to create something, it demands a lot of introspection and reflection, and what you need to do is not going to come to you immediately. That is completely okay. Just recognize that.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. For example, we were struggling to get a free fridge on our own. But thankfully, the police officers that we were working with were able to use their connections with Home Depot to help us get the fridge. Initially, we didn’t want to go to them. We thought, “Oh, we can do this on our own.” But not being afraid to ask for help, whether from your partners or even from your peers, is the biggest thing. Again, collaboration is really key to having a successful movement.
