Our volunteer spotlight is Eileen, the engine behind Weekend Operations in San Francisco, and her family.
Eileen has been a dedicated ExtraFood volunteer for 8 years. What started as a simple way to give back turned into something much bigger, and somewhere along the way, she recruited her entire family into the operation!
In 2015, after their father passed away, Eileen felt a strong pull to do something more purposeful and found ExtraFood. She started volunteering solo, but not for long. Her sisters were “invited” to join. One shift in, they were hooked and have been part of it ever since.
The family’s volunteer story grew even more in 2023 when they moved their 92-year-old mom to San Francisco from St. Louis. A retired Anesthesiologist who had spent her life raising 5 kids, she had never volunteered before. Not because she lacked interest, but because her life had been incredibly full, and her time and energy were always dedicated to her family and her career.
She is also proudly known as the “lady with gas,” a nod to her anesthesia career, and these days she keeps a close eye on the only gas that matters. The car. No empty tanks, especially on food runs!
When her mom takes a break, Eileen’s daughters or their other sister from Chicago jump in when they are in town and help out. And if by some miracle no one is available, her husband suddenly finds himself volunteering whether he wants to or not!
What started as one person looking for purpose has turned into a full family operation, with a fearless leader, a lot of opinions, and a very well fueled car.
Moral of the story: Volunteer with Eileen, and you will be well fed, well directed, and never run out of gas!
Hear from Eileen, her sisters, and their mother about their love of volunteering with ExtraFood