While the Food Shuttle values all volunteers who show up to do the work, helping us make the mission possible, it is even more special to engage with volunteers who innately reenergize the staff. We want to take a moment to recognize Jane Heyward, a member of the Church of the Nativity, for her impact not only on her neighbors but also on the Food Shuttle team. During her regular Grocery Bags for Seniors shifts, Jane quietly dances through the volunteer tasks with ease and adjusts to unexpected shift rhythms with grace. Her kind demeanor and can-do attitude are only a few of the attributes that illustrate her ability to make the team smile and exhale. Following a light-hearted volunteer interview, it comes as no shock to learn that her readiness to serve others and tact began at a young age!
In the early days of her engineering career, Jane pinpoints an occasion when a panel of different types of engineers took the time to clarify the real-world application of their fields. This opportunity to compare the disciplines became pivotal in her decision to pursue industrial engineering. Acknowledging the benefits of this roundtable, she decided to pay the service forward by assuming the role of her employer’s outreach chair, leading their outreach initiatives for aspiring engineers and providing them with the same guidance. Her dedication to equipping her peers with tools reflects her initial enthusiasm for championing others and would later translate into all areas of life.
Jane’s approach to volunteering is founded on the straightforward motto of “try and do an act of kindness every day, no matter how small.” It’s important to remember that community impact is defined by more than grand projects and the pressure they may bring. There are times when simply showing up with a bright smile can elevate someone’s attitude. At the Food Shuttle, our staff instinctively consider the needs of our volunteers and strive to provide meaningful experiences. To those like Jane whose presence brings flexibility and reassurance, we cherish their subtle energy and nods to the community. Thank you, Jane!
