Volunteering at Any Age

I just came back to Austin from a four-day trip visiting my grandparents in the Detroit area.  My mom’s father Bernie is an 87 year old who doesn’t show many signs of slowing down. He lost his wife about 5 years ago and since then has continued to fill his days with worthwhile activities.

Runner up to spending time with family, I’d say the most meaningful way he spends his time is volunteering. Bernie has been volunteering at Yad Ezra’s food pantry for 15 years and I cannot remember a time when this was not a priority for him. Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, Bernie, along with other weekly volunteers and new volunteers, helps supply Jewish families with a grocery cart full of supplemental needs, ranging from toilet paper to fresh fruits and veggies.

Grandpa Bernie and my brother Jake at Yad Ezra

Almost every time I visit Detroit, I join my grandpa on one of his weekly volunteering days at Yad Ezra. On this past trip, my brother and I went on both Sunday and Monday, which was a first for us. There are a number of beautiful things I witness in this activity. First and foremost and on a personal level, this activity gives so much meaning to my grandpa’s life. He enjoys the activity, working, and helping others. This is an activity he looks forward to weekly and honestly, keeps him young and his energy level high.

In terms of helping others, the hundreds of clients coming through Yad Ezra’s doors are not homeless people, they are families, elderly, and immigrants all needing a helping hand and extremely thankful. Every single one of the 156 we served on Sunday and Money expressed their appreciation in numerous ways.

And then there are the volunteers. I absolutely love the volunteers. These volunteers, I’d say 99% Jewish, come to help their neighbors and their friends. This past weekend I saw an 8 year-old volunteer working with an 87 year old volunteer. It’s an activity that all can part take in and feel good about. These volunteers have also created friendships and my grandpa eats out with a group of men after each Monday and Wednesday session.

Young volunteers at Yad Ezra

I find my grandpa to be extremely inspiring. I hope at his age I have a place and activity that helps me along in life. It definitely keeps the soul (and others) warm, especially in time of need.  

More about Yad Ezra: Yad Ezra (Hebrew for "helping hand") provides free kosher food, toiletries and household cleaning items to low-income Jewish families in Southeast Michigan. Yad Ezra does not turn anyone away because of religion. http://www.yadezra.org/