Here at Many Hands for Haiti, we have a saying that is central to our organizational personality, that we are “Better Together.” As we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation week, we want to reflect on the significant contributions our volunteers have made by positively impacting the lives of people in Haiti and those they serve right around us.
Whether it’s volunteering at our stores, Many Hands Market and The Mango Tree, doing administrative help, distributing food, installing cement floors, planting a garden, praying with families, organizing fund raisers, or working at an event, our volunteers are valuable assets in MH4H’s efforts to meet the challenging needs in our local neighborhoods and in Haiti. Since the beginning of 2015, volunteers donated over 6,000 hours of their time allowing us to serve many people with the touch of Jesus.
We are so blessed by our volunteers’ words of encouragement and dedication to the cause. Here are just a few quotes from those whom we serve with us on a daily basis.
“I volunteer at Many Hands because it is a fun place to work. Everyone is so friendly and supportive in a Christian atmosphere. It is also good to know that our work is providing a service to the community in which we live. Yet it is the people of Haiti who remain our reason for serving,” said Jim Taylor, Many Hands Market volunteer from Spencer, IA.
“The Mango Tree is such an amazing atmosphere to volunteer, and it is a blessing to have the opportunity to serve God through frozen yogurt. I look forward to every time I get to work,” told Calise Gritters, Mango Tree volunteer in Pella, IA.
“I enjoy helping at Many Hands because it’s important for me to do something that is not about me. I want to be better at serving others, and the only way to improve is practice! And I love knowing we can do simple, fun things to help out others living a life that is harder,” commented Amber Bruggman, Many Hands Market volunteer from Spencer, IA.
“It has been such a blessing to work with Many Hands for Haiti. Their impact in the lives of the Haitian people is astounding. MH4H truly cares about seeing individual lives changed, but also seeing systemic changes in Haiti through those lives,” said John Essray, who recently served in Haiti with the Cumberland University team from Lebanon, TN.
“I love working with all the people and meeting those that shop here. Every day is so rewarding, and it’s such a blessing to be able to support our local and Haitian mission,” remarked Donna Frans, Many Hands Market volunteer from Spencer, IA.
Many Hands for Haiti has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit all ages, interests, availability and skills. We welcome groups from corporations, service clubs, churches, and any others that are interested in volunteering with us. For more information, please send an email to [email protected] or call our corporate offices at 641-629-6633.
To the hundreds of volunteers around the country that help carry out our mission to make God real in a broken world, we cannot thank you enough for your service. Your enthusiasm, love and dedication give a touch of Jesus to our local communities and those we serve in Haiti. May you continue to be blessed to be a blessing to others.
Tim Brand
Executive leader, Many Hands for Haiti