by Shirley Brown, Project Healthy Living Coach

As part of our 31 days of giving, I volunteered at Gleaners Food Bank. It was such a wonderful experience. I was highly surprised and impressed at the enthusiasm of so many people interested in doing something for someone else. There were people from all walks of life, working together to serve the community. The mixed blend of people from young to old, men and women of various backgrounds, religions, nationalities, civic groups, and diverse organizations. I was able to join in with the Lion’s Club, a service organization. Among the other participants were college students, high school students, families, UAW members, a motorcycle club, businesses, and individuals.

The Gleaners personnel were organized, supportive, and explained in advance what to expect and what procedures and policies were necessary. We worked in a large, very clean warehouse on a assembly line. Our duties were to fill boxes with non-perishable food items. While some were packing, others were constructing the boxes, making sure product was available at all times. Everyone was focused on getting this task completed in an orderly and efficient manner, which we did. This is not something I would want to do every day; however, it was a fun and rewarding day.

Shirley Brown is a Healthy Living Coach through the MiCAFE program at Elder Law of Michigan. She has been a member of the Elder Law team since 2011. As the MiCAFE Healthy Living Coach for the Eat Smart and Live Strong Program, Shirley facilitates the development of effective, high-quality nutrition education and physical activity promotion targeting senior citizens that are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).