Since May 2022, Laura Dwyer has been helping Feed the Hungry San Miguel make a difference. She first joined the team after seeing a Facebook post from her longtime friend, Paola Juárez, calling for Monday volunteers. What began as curiosity has turned into a joyful weekly commitment.
A Community of Personalities
When asked about her most memorable moments, Laura couldn’t point to just one. Instead, she said that it’s the people who stand out. “I love all of the general personalities,” she says with a smile. “Big Mike always has a corny joke for me. David is the runner extraordinaire and also Jonna’s megaphone when there’s an announcement to be made.”
Inspired by Dedication
Week after week, Laura is inspired by the dedication of the Feed the Hungry staff and her fellow volunteers. “Seeing everyone show up, rain or shine, with such commitment is really motivating,” she shared.
A Typical Monday at the Warehouse
The weekly packing shift has its own rhythm. “We used to start at 11:00am, but volunteers began arriving earlier and earlier—I guess they couldn’t wait to get to work!” Laura laughed. “Now we usually begin around 10:30. The Feed the Hungry workers set up stations with scales, fruits and veggies, labeled bags, and crates to sit on. When you arrive, you just find an open spot and get started. We’re typically there for about an hour.”
Why Volunteering Matters
For Laura, the experience is not just about the work, but the connections. “Do it!” she encourages anyone considering volunteering. “It’s been wonderful meeting new people—some who’ve lived in San Miguel for 20 years or more, and others who have just arrived. As you sit and count or weigh fruits and veggies, you get to chat with the person across from you.”
The Reason She Keeps Coming Back
“It’s fun!” Laura said simply. “You get to see familiar faces every week while contributing to such an amazing cause. It’s truly a win-win.”
Volunteers are an important part of Feed the Hungry San Miguel’s operations. We could not operate as effectively or efficiently without their dedicated support. Learn how you can get involved.