Dave is pantry volunteer, helped launch the microlending program and is an active member on the Centennial Advisory Committee. He shares some lessons about his time as a volunteer.

1. How did you first get involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

I got involved with the Society at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis and became a member in 1992. The conference did a lot of emergency relief-type work. During my time, the Basilica launched Immigrant Support Ministry to help refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in conjunction with Lutheran Social Services. This type of work was all very new to me and outside of my comfort zone, but I was pleasantly surprised at how many people in the parish had knowledge and resources to help immigrants. When I moved to Madison, I reached out to the local Society and got connected with a few different volunteer opportunities.

2. What do you do as a volunteer?

I was involved in the early planning for the microlending program. I now enter data for the food pantry like the number of households served or what food’s being provided. It’s all important data tracking pantry usage so staff can best serve neighbors’ needs. I’m also a part of the Advisory Council steering the Centennial promotion and welcoming people to get involved.

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3. What would you like everyone to know about St. Vincent de Paul — Madison?

The depth of services and deep knowledge of staff and volunteers. Every once in a while a new name will appear while I’m entering data. I’ll ask other volunteers about this neighbor and they’ll say, “Oh, yeah. I know them. I know their kids.” It’s a very personable type of service, a tight-knit community. Entering data is more than just punching in names. You see the number of people being helped, recognizing that each name is a real person with a real story. You think about how this neighbor got into a situation where they need help and how they’re going to get out of it. That’s where St. Vincent de Paul — Madison comes in.

4. What sustains your involvement?

Putting yourself in the service of others is a big deal. Creating relationships and connecting with other people brings me back!

Join the volunteer team! Visit this webpage or contact Jenni Troia, Associate Director of Client Services, at (608) 442-7200 x42 or jtroia@svdpmadison.org.