Hello, Cornerstone Community!
As we approach April's Volunteer Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who are the backbone of our organization. Our dedicated volunteers are the reason Cornerstone thrives, and we are endlessly grateful for their support.
The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 6:10, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." This verse perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our volunteers, whose selfless actions are a testament to their love and commitment.
At Cornerstone, we are proud to have over 100 weekly volunteers, many of whom have been with us for years. Their commitment and passion are what make our programs possible.
Let's take a closer look at how our volunteers make a difference in each of our key areas:
Community Kitchen: Our kitchen is a bustling hub of activity, with volunteers contributing around 750 hours per month. They are involved in every step of the process, from prepping and cooking to serving meals and cleaning up. The kitchen staff rely heavily on the many volunteers who show up each month to lend a hand.
Clothing Bank: With an average of 850 volunteer hours per month, our Clothing Bank is another area where volunteers play a crucial role. They sort clothes, organize them in the "shop", and assist clients with their needs. We have about 30 consistent volunteers who keep the Clothing Bank running smoothly.
Food Cupboard: This vital program is run entirely by volunteers! Over 40 consistent volunteers dedicate more than 700 hours each month to tasks such as picking up food from our Retail Rescue Program, sorting and bagging food, and distributing it to our clients.
In addition to these core areas, we have volunteers supporting our Diaper Bank, Weekend Backpack Program, Friday Delivery Program, and various events. They also help with administrative tasks, maintenance, and many other projects that keep Cornerstone functioning.
In the past year alone, our volunteers have clocked over 30,000 hours. To put that in perspective, at today's minimum wage rate, that's over $450,000 worth of man-hours generously donated to our cause.
As we reflect on the incredible impact of our volunteers, let's also remember the words of 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." Our volunteers embody this principle, using their unique gifts and talents to serve and uplift our community.
If you have any interest in learning more and volunteering at Cornerstone, we would love to have you join our family of dedicated volunteers! You can sign up today and find more information about our volunteer opportunities at www.cornerstone-cares.org/volunteeropportunities.
Words cannot fully express our gratitude for these amazing individuals. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, let's remember that each hour volunteered, each task completed, and each smile shared contributes to the heart and soul of Cornerstone. Thank you to all our volunteers for your unwavering support and dedication. You are our heroes!
Alexis Flint
Programs and Operations Director