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Volunteer Testimonies
Louise & John Nieland “Last year we were given the opportunity to participate in the FLY program by delivering lunches to children and families at Eagle Ridge. Talk about fun!
To see kids rush up to the car, eager to help you unload the lunches and put the sign in the ground, to hear them talk about what they're doing today or tomorrow or for their birthday, to learn that Jimmy can't be here today because he's visiting his cousin, to have one of them ask if they can have an extra lunch to take to their neighbor who can't get out today -- it's such a positive, uplifting experience. It also gave us the chance to do something different over the lunch hour; it was time we could spend together enjoying the kids, the beautiful Iowa summer, and each other. Now really, who wouldn't like to spend 45 minutes or so sitting under a shade tree in a park-like setting and relaxing with someone they love? We're grateful the church has stepped forward to meet this need in our community, and we encourage others to take part in any way they can. We're looking forward to seeing the kids again very soon!”Jim Dwyer “The joy of delivering FLY lunches - I'll keep it short and to the point - On several occasions last summer when delivering lunches, I had a young mother look me straight in the eye and say, "Thank you, what you do matters." That is true for every single ministry in our Church. What ministry we do, no matter what it is, makes a difference in someone else’s life. Keep up the good works.”
Mary Hoefle “What's a better way to teach your family about community service than to jump in and do it together! That is what my family did this past summer when we delivered lunches for the FLY program. Every Thursday, Bill, Abby, Nate and I would load up our car and drive to Squaw Creek trailer park to deliver lunch to the kids. The hour it took from each Thursday was simple and the smiles and excitement with which we were greeted with each day made the effort well worth it. It was such a joy to watch our kids grow from this experience. At the beginning of the summer, Abby and Nate would run straight for the playground equipment and were somewhat shy around the other kids. By the end of the summer, they were handing out the sack lunches to the kids and we'd eat together at the picnic table. We enjoyed being a part of such a worthy program. I remember delivering meals on wheels with my mom when I was little and I hope our kids will remember this service we accomplished together!”
Elaine Coppock “ Do you know the answer to the question whether peanut butter sandwiches are made with the peanut butter on one slice and the jelly on the other, or does the jelly go on top of the peanut butter on the same slice? Do you love fellowship with congenial people? Do you enjoy having fun while at the same time helping those in need of a good lunch? If so, the FLY program is for you. For those with a heart to serve, making, packing, and/or delivering lunches is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
First United Methodist Church
1298 Seventh Avenue
Marion, Iowa 52302
(319) 377-4856