Thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to the Haven. For Volunteer Appreciation Week, we spoke with four volunteers across different Haven volunteering opportunities.
Aislinn
Aislinn cooks dinner at Hixon House most weeks after work, playing music and chatting with guests in the open kitchen.
“I think about coming home to my parents, cooking a meal and asking me how my day was. That’s something I really wanted to incorporate. The first thing I ask is, how is your day?”
Pranav
Pranav is a Dartmouth medical student who showed up one Saturday with no gardening experience. He keeps coming back.
“It feels really nice to have my morning distilled to being like, I need to dig a circular hole here. It’s just me and the shovel. The time just kind of flies by because it’s so much fun.”
Chris
Chris volunteers in the Community Food Market most Monday afternoons and serves on the Haven’s board.
“It took me years before I actually started volunteering in person. Once you get started, you’ll get hooked. It’s meaningful work. It’s pleasant work. And it’s just a good day’s work.”
Karen
Karen has been volunteering at the Haven since 2012, starting in the garden and now checking people in at the Community Food Market.
“There are so many volunteer options. You’re not locked into one particular thing. Over 14 years, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people and built relationships. And I think that is very motivating and rewarding for me.”