Potluck opens hearts and minds

Since September of 2008, Hands On volunteers have headed to O’Bryant Square to serve hot meals two Sunday afternoons a month with Potluck in the Park, a grassroots organization run by a few dedicated volunteers. Hands On volunteers return to this project because of the positive energy of the event and the visible impact it has on the lives of people who are in need of a hot meal. Laurie McGinnity is one such volunteer. She volunteered at O’Bryant Square in February 2009 and again with her whole family on Easter. Laurie says that “the experience of meeting regular people in need was touching and heart wrenching. We felt fortunate that Hands On Greater Portland gave us this chance to give back to those in our community that are in need of help.”

Laurie found in talking to the individuals coming through the meal line that the people she was serving were much more familiar than she had expected. “We had the realization that many of these people probably just fell into hard times and that this could be any of us. We left that day with a new appreciation of the life we have and a need to look for more ways to help those who are not as fortunate.” Laurie also appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere of Potluck in the Park: “Easter was especially rewarding as the entire family was able to volunteer together and it gave real meaning to the holiday. We find that volunteering together allows us to grow and flourish as a family.”

Follow in the footsteps of the McGinnity’s and start a tradition of volunteering with your family and friends. Join us for Potluck in the Park the second and fourth Sunday of every month or find another great project.