With a growing need in services at Trinity Community Table (TCT), comes a growing need for volunteers.
Since 1992, TCT, a community outreach program, has provided nourishing noontime meals for the most vulnerable in the community.
But, Sonya Woodman, volunteer coordinator at Trinity Community Table, says more volunteers are needed to keep the long lived community tradition going.
“Right now, there’s about 80 volunteers. But some are snowbirds in the winter, and others go away in the summer months. So, the need for volunteers is always there,” Woodman said.
Woodman has been a volunteer with TCT for almost two years and says being part of the community is both rewarding and humbling.
“I love it. It’s all about giving back. And it’s also a great way to meet new people,” Woodman said.
“Every new volunteer is just amazed at how organized this is, and just the fact this this has been happening for over 30 years. All of this is what makes it so special.”
Volunteers prepare meals for guests in the parish hall of Trinity Anglican Church every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Anyone is invited to volunteer at the Trinity Community Table and can help with meal preparation, set-up, serving, dish washing, cleanup, laundry, carrying inventory, or grocery shopping.
TCT is also looking to fill a number of positions including the need for a media coordinator and a communications person. Anyone interested can also serve on the Board of Directors.
“It’s quite an operation,” Woodman said. “And that is because of our volunteers.”
TCT has also developed a garden project which includes two plots that volunteers have been looking after for the last years, growing everything, from herbs to vegetables.
“What they were able to produce last year, it was absolutely phenomenal,” Woodman said.
For over 30 years, Trinity Community Table has provided meals, three days a week, to anyone in need.
“I always say to those just starting out, that this is not a job. It’s a volunteer position, so it is important that you enjoy what you are doing, because you are giving your own time,” Woodman said.
“I say to anyone interested, whatever time you can give, four hours a week, or four hours a month, we will take it.”
At Thanksgiving, TCT serves hot turkey dinners and every year, a traditional Christmas dinner with all of the fixings.
Last holiday season, 160 hot dinners were served.
Since the pandemic, TCT has resumed in-person services. But with rising food costs and the impacts of COVID-19, volunteers have noticed an increase in the number of guests visiting every week.
“We have now been open for inside dining for the last three months. During the pandemic we were doing hot meal takeouts. So, it is so great to open our doors again," Woodman said.
“Guests arrive at about 9:30 a.m. and have coffee and treats. If it’s cold, they can warm up. It’s also a social thing for them, as well as for our volunteers.”
Woodman says not all guests are comfortable coming in, so they have the option to take a sandwich to go.
“There are about 55 people that come in three days a week. But of course, there are more because not everyone has a hot meal and might prefer to take something with them,” Woodman said.
TCT volunteers continue to meet the needs in the community, but more are needed to continue to help make a difference for those most vulnerable.
“Anyone interested must be 16 years or older. I am now looking for students during the summertime who would like to complete their community service hours,” Woodman said.
All volunteers must be vaccinated.
Woodman says volunteering involves working with vulnerable populations. Many volunteers are older, so being fully vaccinated is a priority at TCT.
“There’s a real sense of community here. Everyone works together, young and old,” Woodman said.
“It’s important to keep this going. It has for this long.”
To volunteer, donate, or obtain more information please contact Trinity Community Table at 519-621-8860 or [email protected] or visit TCT on Facebook or Instagram
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