This month, we caught up with Shelley Bedell, who is a regular Volunteer Shopper at Hollywood Fred Meyer and who also makes weekly calls with our Friendly Caller program! Since starting to volunteer in April 2020, Shelley has given more than 120 volunteer hours in support of our clients and our program work!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?   

A: I first became involved with Store to Door following communication with Marcia Blasen who is the Portland Food Project contact for me and my bi-monthly PFP contributors.

Q: You are a regular shopper at Hollywood and a Friendly Caller, what would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for grocery shopping OR the Friendly Caller program?  

A: Both shopping the lists for S2D customers and making Friendly Friday calls allow volunteers to become personally involved with individuals whom they’ll probably never meet but whose needs and lives are intimately supported and affirmed by the few hours a volunteer offers every week.

Q: What has been one of your favorite experiences as a Store to Door Volunteer?

A: One Wednesday the list I held requested a funny birthday card for an older lady! I fully enjoyed checking out Fred Meyer’s rather surprisingly broad card offering and chose one not too risqué and not too dull. On that same list the customer also wanted me to choose a dog play toy: not too squeaky or obnoxious. I hope neither item was returned as unacceptable!

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?

A: I prefer being outdoors rather than indoors, so activities and projects in fresh air are on the most-liked list: hiking, camping, backpacking, xc skiing, cycling, gardening. My three adult kids have adopted similar passions, so the plus is we get together and share an outside joy.

Q: Are you binge-watching any tv shows?  Have a favorite book to recommend?

A: I do not watch much tv and usually fall asleep before a movie is well underway. A favorite-favorite novel is Anthony Doerr’s All The Light We Cannot See. Be prepared to read well into the night and to cry.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most with COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?

A: Ohhhhh, when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted: dinner parties and potlucks with friends and families will resume. All have been sorely missed.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?

A: It’s no surprise: I am a tech-neanderthal and forget passwords regularly.