This month we wanted to spotlight just a few of the many “couples” we have as regular and dedicated volunteers at Heart to Heart International. Responding to an informative Q&A about their volunteerism, the “Dynamic Duos” include mother-daughter duo Irene and Eunjung Oh, along with two married couples: Ida and Sandy Levine + Dee and Rich Zak.
These volunteers share that their efforts are much more than just filling free time. The duos have found a way to bond, try a new experience, give back to the community and have gratitude for life’s blessings.
Volunteers Irene and Eunjung Oh
How long have you been volunteering?
Irene: I have been volunteering since the summer of 2016.
Eunjung: I have been volunteering at HHI since September, 2015.
Why did you start?
Irene: I started because my mom was already in HHI, and she encouraged me to come with her to volunteer.
Eunjung: Before HHI, I volunteered at my daughter’s elementary school library. However, when she became a middle schooler, I was looking for another place to keep volunteering. I found HHI on the internet.
What do you like about it?
Irene: I really like how everyone is nice and caring! They are willing to volunteer for the joy of helping, and that’s what makes HHI a great experience.
Eunjung: It is good to regularly meet people of common interests who has the joy of helping others and serving together. As a person from Korea who immigrated to America, I experienced the willingness and kindness of many people who volunteered purely to serve and make the world a better place.
What is it about the Heart to Heart International’s cause that is inspiring?
Irene: Its inspiring that the HHI is helping people, no matter who they are. They are doing everything they can to make a world a better place for others to live in.
Eunjung: It is inspiring that we help those in need in many different places, and that the people who receive the help will know that there is someone looking out for them and caring for them.
What do you tell your friends/family about Heart to Heart International?
Irene: I tell my friends and family that the heart to heart international is a great way to volunteer. You can participate in making kits for those who need basic supplies, and HHI is a perfect place to help while being satisfied and happy.
Eunjung: I tell my friends and family that HHI is a place where people with the warmest hearts gather to serve those in need. If you want a great place to volunteer and interact, this is the best place!
Volunteers Ida and Sandy Levine
How long have you been volunteering?
Sandy: 1 year
Ida: 10 months
Why did you start?
Sandy: After recently retiring, I was looking for ways to give back to the community. HHI was recommended as a great organization to volunteer for.
Ida: I had heard of HHI and felt it would be a good way to give back to the community as well as something Sandy and I could do together.
What do you like about it?
Sandy: I like the camaraderie among the volunteers and the work is never boring.
Ida: I have enjoyed meeting new people and seeing how we all work together to accomplish the task at hand.
What is it about the Heart to Heart International’s cause that is inspiring?
Sandy/Ida: We are both inspired knowing HHI helps anyone, anywhere, at any time.
What do you tell your friends/family about Heart to Heart International?
Sandy/Ida: We talk about what we are doing for HHI and how the kits we build are helping people in need. We also describe the different kits we have helped with and have talked about the medical services and supplies HHI provides.
Volunteers Dee and Rich Zak
How long have you been volunteering?
Dee/Rich: We started volunteering in the Spring of 2019. We have been at it a little over a year.
Why did you start?
Dee/Rich: We liked the idea of being able to help support people who are in need due to some unfortunate and catastrophic event in their lives.
What do you like about it?
Dee/Rich: We enjoy working with the other volunteers, and Eddie and Carol Lee. They make volunteering easy and fun.
What is it about the Heart to Heart International’s cause that is inspiring?
Dee/Rich: HHI makes people feel cared for, especially at a time when they might be feeling that no one does. We are also inspired by their outreach nationally and internationally. HHI sees the world as one great community.
What do you tell your friends/family about Heart to Heart International?
Dee/Rich: We share about HHI’s mission, the information we get back about where the kits we work on go and who they help, and what a fulfilling place it is to spend some of our time.
Read More Stories
[display-posts image_size=”thumbnail” wrapper=”div” wrapper_class=”display-posts-listing grid” meta_key=”_thumbnail_id” posts_per_page=”6″]