How did you get involved with volunteering at Chicago Chesed Fund?
It’s important to me that my children be completely immersed in a home of chesed- I want giving to be something that comes as natural as possible to them. I’m grateful to be able to be home right now and I was looking for a way to give back to this community that I’ve come to love so much.
What does a typical volunteer day look like for you?
I go in and walk straight to the sorting room because there are just the best people working there. Then I’ll typically tag and hang up some clothing while listening to a shiur on my phone. Honestly, it really feels like me-time.
Why did you choose to volunteer at Chicago Chesed Fund specifically?
I didn’t know much about it. But I decided to tour it because my friend works there. I was BLOWN AWAY. I kept stopping Mrs. Moskowitz (the volunteer coordinator) as she was giving me a tour. I could not believe what was going on there. All I knew was that I drop off bags of clothes and somehow they get dispersed as necessary.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that CCF does?
The complete dignity it provides to those in need. The clothing is updated constantly to reflect styles and season changes. As a shopping and cloth-
ing fanatic, that means a lot to me. All women should feel beautiful and special and CCF gives them that.
Do you have an anecdote about this cause/ organization that really moved you?
One of my first days volunteering, I was about to hang a shirt that had the smallest little rip underneath the collar and I was told we would donate it elsewhere because we won’t put out anything that’s not perfect. This truly shows the way CCF cares about each and every client.
If you could tell future CCF volunteers one thing, what would it be?
Come tour the building- see what they do. It will change your life.