The Food Shuttle partners with several local organizations each month and at this moment, we want to spotlight the kind members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh (UUFR). The UUFR addresses multiple causes within its congregation, and the Food Shuttle is graciously supported by its Food Ministry Team. Throughout the years, the leadership of the Food Ministry has transitioned amongst dedicated members, each bringing their unique strengths to the team. The Volunteer Services Team currently works alongside Karen Goldfarb, who has shown remarkable commitment and compassion in her role for the last five years. From her efforts, our organization eagerly welcomes her team every third Wednesday of the month to pack grocery bags for seniors!
Karen is one of the sweetest volunteers, and her contributions have been influential not only in Raleigh but also on the West Coast. Her caring predisposition served her well in her professional career as a nurse practitioner in Oregon and carried her heart for others when she and her husband, Barry, moved to North Carolina. Here, she began her deep investment into her volunteer commitments.
Through Karen, we have had the pleasure of meeting other UUFR members who also have unique stories, including Gisela Fleming, whose family joined UUFR during the 1960s. In return, Gisela has made a concerted effort to continue the legacy by introducing her grandchildren—Claire, Makenzie, and Colton—to volunteer work. She notes is it rewarding to witness her grandchildren’s interactions with the seniors they have served together. It is a testament in how strong the focus on compassion can motivate generations to make a positive impact and the spark to pay it forward.
We look to UUFR’s journey as a blueprint in how to inspire individuals and groups to contribute within their capacity and how ideas can grow into action. The UUFR’s support of the Food Shuttle is noted to have begun a minimum of 16 years ago. Over the years, their initial seed contribution has led to increased dedication to the Food Shuttle, reflected in both volunteer hours and monetary support. The Food Shuttle has humbly accepted their Justice Sunday donations, which is an initiative where their Social Justice Council selects an organization to donate offerings with the guidance of the congregation. We cannot thank the UUFR congregation enough for their support and community recognition. Karen, Barry, and Gisela’s stories are one of the few that we have only begun to learn!