This Month, we got to chat with Susan Rodgers, who has been volunteering with us since 2015. Susan helps in a number of ways, but you can find her regularly in her belt loading role at Hollywood Fred Meyer.
Q: How long have you volunteered with Store to Door? What have you been helping us with?
A: I started volunteering in November of 2014. I did one grocery list and decided it was really stressful for me to try and get exactly what the client was requesting – we have so many choices here in America! Luckily Cindy gave me the option of unloading the carts onto the belt and I fell in love. I get to puzzle out the best way of placing the products to be checked and make sure I am making it easy for the cashiers. I am able to avoid the worst of rush hour by coming a little later and staying a little longer. And the people I work with are the best! I so enjoy the Store to Door staff and volunteers, and have gotten to know a number of the Fred Meyers checkers, learning about their lives as we work together. It really is all about me, but I am happy that a by-product of my pleasure results in benefits for Store to Door clients as well.
Q: What is your favorite part about your volunteer role?
A: Far and away the social interaction I gain when I am there. I would probably easily become a recluse, but for my time at Store to Door.
Q: You have to pick only one iconic Portland donut/doughnut to eat (Voodoo, Blue Star, Pip’s, etc), which do you pick and why?
A: I don’t generally eat donuts, so I am going to fudge a little on this question and choose the Fred Meyers donuts that are put out for the volunteers of Store to Door – sometimes I indulge in those. Although I realize they are probably not iconic. . .
Q: The weather is getting nicer out, what are you looking forward to doing?
A: I am an avid dragon boat paddler and paddling in the nice weather is so rewarding. It is wonderful to be out on the river, exercising with my tribe, and viewing the fabulous Portland skyline from the water. I’m so lucky to be a part of this sport and especially of my team.
Q: If you were getting onto a plane right now for a vacation destination, where would you be flying?
A: I would love to fly Ecuador to visit the Galapagos Islands – that would be my dream vacation! But this year I am settling for a trip to Las Vegas to participate in a dragon boat race, a trip to Maui with my sister and two nieces (sisters’ trip), a trip to Chicago/Upper Michigan to visit my best friend from grade school, a trip to Nanaimo, BC, for another dragon boat race, and a trip to the San Juan Islands (girls’ trip with). I am more than blessed!