Annual Report Digital - Flipbook - Page 12
The Annual Report 2023-2024 | OUR VALUES
ROOTED IN VALUES
Located on 29th and Center, the Jewish
Community Pantry is deeply rooted in the
community, serving as a crucial resource
for individuals and families experiencing
food insecurity. This vital service, grounded
in values such as tzedakah (justice) and
tikkun olam (repairing the world), provides
emergency food, diapers, and hygiene
supplies. Powered by the dedicated e昀昀orts
of volunteers from all walks of life, including
retirees, students, and JCC sta昀昀, the Pantry
embodies a commitment to community
service.
One such volunteer is Mary, a Marquette
University student who began her journey
with the Pantry at the end of last summer.
Initially required to volunteer only once a
week for her service-learning class, Mary
found herself volunteering twice a week,
driven by the sense of ful昀椀llment she
experienced.
“I really appreciate all the volunteers who
took the time to ask me questions about
school and my life, and got to know me,”
Mary shared. “When I would come in having
a bad morning, they helped me feel better.”
“Every time I left my volunteering shift, I
knew my e昀昀orts were truly appreciated. This
ful昀椀llment motivates me to continue serving
and showing up for the community,” she
shared. “Dedicating time to the Pantry also
allowed me to take a break from my school
life, which helped clear my mind and keep
me grounded.”
Mary’s positive experience at the Pantry
inspired her career path. She applied at
Marquette’s Arrupe Center for Community
Service and Social Responsibility, eager to
weave social responsibility into both her
personal and professional life.
With 30-40 trained volunteers working
during open hours alongside a handful of
Pantry sta昀昀, they help pack bags of food,
interview guests, stock shelves, and assist
with our guest-choice food allocation
process. The Pantry embodies the spirit of
community and care, connecting guests to
community resources, increasing awareness
of food insecurity, and working to alleviate
its impact.
Re昀氀ecting on her time at the Pantry, Mary
said, “I strongly believe the Pantry is a
wonderful example of how organization,
communication, and teamwork help run a
successful and impactful operation.”
In everything it does, the Jewish Community
Pantry remains rooted in values, fostering a
culture of compassion and kavod (respect)
that creates a long-lasting positive impact on
the communities we serve.
Mary’s story is one of many at the Jewish
Community Pantry, where dedicated and
passionate volunteers ensure that essential
services reach those in need.
The Jewish Community Pantry is supported
by the Emergency Pantry Network of the
Hunger Task Force, a provider of free and
local food.
12
