Volunteer Profile: Erica Dubno and Heather Curran The days are longer, the air is warm and the beach is calling: Summer is here! Pam, Seth, Vivienne, David and Jeremy know that our volunteers are having a tough time staying indoors. We think everyone should get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, but please don’t forget about us at God’s Love We Deliver! To celebrate volunteer dedication, we have chosen to highlight two of our most loyal Friday morning pack-out wizards: Erica Dubno and Heather Curran. Although Erica volunteers as a coach for the Manhattan Special Olympics, she knew she could do more to make a difference in people’s lives. She thought that helping to feed people “would, in some small way, sate her own hunger.” Erica is not sure how she first heard about God’s Love We Deliver, but somehow naturally connected with the organization because it “makes so much sense and serves an obvious need.” She soon found herself at 6am on Friday mornings packing out hot meals and was thrilled by the warm, friendly and diverse group that come together in the GLWD kitchen. Erica and Heather became friends coaching together at the Special Olympics, and when Heather decided to also add another volunteer activity to her schedule, Erica jumped at the chance to pull her in to GLWD. Although Heather was hesitant about getting up so early, “Erica was always talking about her Friday mornings.” Heather exclaimed, “It’s needless to say that after one week, I was hooked!” Erica was most impressed by the individual attention that GLWD gives its clients, especially with the cakes and flowers that are delivered on birthdays. Both women look forward to their morning pack-out responsibilities each week because of the satisfaction they feel by helping people in need. They love the fact that “the group comes together in the kitchen to help people who never see our faces but are touched by our work.” The experience they have with their friends in the kitchen makes the time go very quickly, and for a couple of hours they are able to forget about their jobs and outside lives. Erica so eloquently says, “We work on the lines, filling containers with delicious, healthy food and we laugh and talk while working hard. I carry with me throughout the day the magic of the morning and the time spent with friends.” Although Erica and Heather know that volunteering at GLWD is a terrific way to meet new people, they truly appreciate the chance it has given them to reinforce their own existing relationship. They consider themselves “closest” friends, and the chance to share the valuable experiences they have in the kitchen every Friday morning only strengthens the bond between them. Well, it is a sure bet that the entire God’s Love We Deliver community would count these two amazing women among their friends. We thank you, Erica and Heather, for challenging us all to be better and give more - and for getting out of bed so early!! The volunteer office encourages all of our volunteers to introduce a friend to God’s Love We Deliver. Not only will help us with all of the work that needs to be completed, but it may even strengthen your friendship!