Q: How did you first get involved with S2D?

A: I was looking for a volunteer opportunity last summer and came across Store to Door on a volunteer opportunity website. I had recently returned from staying with my folks and helping care for my dad who had developed Alzheimer’s. We relied on Instacart for grocery delivery and felt very grateful for the service they provided. When I saw that Store to Door provides the same service with [a small] delivery charge, I signed up right away!

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

A: I also volunteer at the library three days a week, shelving books, processing holds, packing boxes for delivery, and other related tasks. I share a home with my wife, and two cats, one of whom is trying out sleeping in my lap for the first time as I write this.

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

A: Once, on a backpacking trip, as I was taking a break, I turned around to see a bear a few feet off, coming toward me. I knew I had just a few moments to respond before the bear overtook me and would have access to my pack and all my food. I instantly began making as much noise as I could, yelling and jumping up and down, and throwing pine cones at the bear’s feet. Happily enough, the bear decided to turn around and head in the other direction, but my noise-making continued until I was satisfied it would not return and my adrenaline rush had subsided sufficiently.

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?

A: Store to Door folks are among the friendliest, most supportive folks I know! Whether I am grocery shopping, belt loading or running for a substitution (all enjoyable tasks, by the way), everyone is always very appreciative of my contribution. Pair this with Store to Door’s mission of providing grocery order-taking, shopping and delivery for homebound seniors and people with disabilities, and you have a great volunteer opportunity!