Litchfield Park resident Sharon Brown travels twice a week to dedicate time and effort to serving seniors at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center.
She recently celebrated one year of dedication with the center and said the time has gone by very fast.
Her service started in senior meal delivery in Sun City, but after her route dwindled, she learned about the senior center and applied to deliver food. Brown quickly realized she has to be an employee to do that job and she was not looking for anything full time.
“I was looking for physical work, and someone suggested the pantry. I love stocking the cooler and more than happy to do it,” she said.
Mondays Brown spends time with the other volunteers removing the food from the trucks and placing them on the shelves and Thursdays she is stocking the coolers and removing any left over food before they leave for the weekend.
“It is non-stop from the time I get here around 6:30 a.m. until the pantry closes at 11 a.m. and sometimes I am there until noon getting the shelves cleared,” said Brown.
Unfortunately, Brown said a lot of good has to get thrown out at the end of the week but said she has said there may be a partnership with a local farm in the works.
Salmon, chicken, milk, creamers, cheeses and pre-made salads are often on the shelves, and Brown said she has been impressed with the types of foods available for seniors.
Brown has created relationships with patrons who will often stick their head into the cooler and thank her or say hello. She said many volunteers spend three days volunteering and know many of the individuals well.
“The volunteers all work very hard and we rarely get anyone under age 60 so it is seniors helping seniors a lot,” she said.
Individuals looking for service opportunities should not miss out, according to Brown. She said once people step into volunteering, usually those individuals are looking for another place to help.
Brown has a full calendar not only caring for her parents, but also volunteering and said that is part of her commitment to giving back.
Volunteering at the center opened her eyes to just how much food gets distributed to seniors every week.
“I had no idea how many people go in and eat their meals, but I am glad they have this service for people besides just the pantry,” said Brown.
Brown said it is fulfilling to complete volunteer work and also spends time at the Red Cross, St. Mary’s Food Bank and hopes to get opportunities at the Wildlife World Zoo.
Reporter Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at. During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.
Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.
Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts
Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”
Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.
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