by Nancy Brown, Co-Founder
At Hope Squad Maine, many hands work together to make our outreach efforts possible, but some volunteers truly shine with their dedication and energy. One such volunteer has only been with us for about six months, but she’s so immersed in her role as our Food Processing Manager that it seems she’s been a part of our team forever. Each week, with her unwavering commitment, Debbie helps us distribute over $2,000 in donated food to the unhoused, ensuring that when we arrive at the shelter or head out to the streets, everything is meticulously prepared, allowing us to immediately set up and share the wonderful food we’ve brought for our unhoused neighbors.
Debbie’s attention to detail is unmatched. Whether she’s selecting fresh produce at the Wayside Food Program or carefully sorting through non-perishable food donations, she organizes every aspect of our food distribution. From preparing snack buckets (a big hit in the community) to sourcing great deals and purchasing supplemental items when donations run low, her efforts are tireless. She even goes so far as to babysit fruit for several days, placing them in sunny spots around her home to ensure they are perfectly ripe for our Friday outings. And her contributions don’t stop at food — she also sources Bingo prizes for the folks at the shelter, constantly adjusting what she offers based on their requests. Her creativity and responsiveness have kept Bingo a beloved event during our outreach.
Debbie believes she was meant to be here, finding her way to Hope Squad Maine through a chance meeting. She credits her father for inspiring her kindness and commitment to helping others. For Debbie, the reward is seeing the smiles on the faces of those we serve and being part of a community that makes a difference. She feels strongly that it is a privilege to volunteer with Hope Squad Maine.