I want to introduce you to Erica Hutchinson who feels blessed to have been “bitten” by the volunteer bug many decades ago. Originally from Kansas, she spent the majority of her adult life in Colorado Springs, Colorado – where she was employed at the U.S. Olympic Committee for 22 years.
It was a dream job and one of her responsibilities was coordinating community outreach efforts for staff of 450 and the 150 resident athletes at the Olympic Training Center. This responsibility allowed Erica to become aware of the various needs in her community and she was inspired to volunteer regularly for several organizations including the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Marian House Soup Kitchen, the CO Brain Injury Association and more.
Her relationship with the Dysart Community Center began a few years ago through her church in Sun City West (Advent Episcopal Church). Of course, in-person activities were limited due to COVID-!9, but the church was still able to provide snack bags for the children’s programs, read stories online and provide funds for Summer Camp scholarships in 2020.
Erica recently began volunteering with the food distribution program on Wednesday mornings.
According to Erica..."It has been a true joy to work with the staff and to meet and hear the stories of those who participate in this wonderful program. Dysart Community Center is a true “jewel in the desert” and has volunteer opportunities in so many areas. Just ask - your heart will be filled beyond your imagination."
Within one week of launching, we have provided over 443 pounds of food to our community. We have partnered with two local stores to provide fresh foods and dairy items, as well as partnering with a food storage agency to provide staples for our families.
Dysart Community Center's Community Fridge officially launched giving out over 443 pounds of food in our first week!
DCC Community Fridge Grand Opening on Tuesday, November 5th at 10AM
I joined
Such an exciting first Team Meeting, we scoped out the space, organized two sources of food supply, volunteer recruitment, days and times for open hours and start date and how to get the word out that we are OPEN!
So much talent and experience in this first meeting and we were overjoyed at how many attended. We sent out seven invites and fourteen interested, dedicated community members joined in! We discussed the need in our community,
Part of the funding will be used to purchase reusable bags for our "guests", part will be used to complete shelving work in the pantry and look for a deal on a commercial type refrigerator.
