Volunteer Profile: Roger and Carol Bennett

Roger and Carol Bennett

Roger and Carol Bennett started volunteering at St. Joseph’s Family Center about six years ago, when a discussion at a bible study prompted them into taking action to fend off poverty in their community. “As our group discussed many scriptures regarding not forgetting the poor, it became very clear that serving others needed to become a priority in our lives” Carol said. Carol and Roger both show up every Wednesday afternoon at the food pantry, doing everything from packing grocery bags and hygiene kits, to handing out sack lunches to those living on the streets.

“I enjoy volunteering because I can give back to my community,” Roger said. Roger, now retired, has been “giving back” to his community his entire professional career. He worked as an educator for 30 years, including nine years as a principal in Morgan Hill. Volunteering is just one of many projects Roger enjoys doing in his retirement. Roger says, “The people who come to the food pantry are always grateful for whatever is provided, which makes it all the more gratifying to be there to serve.”

Carol, a semi-retired manager of Pacific Bell for 22 years, is still employed part-time by Edward Jones and loves it. The office administrator position leaves her time to do what she enjoys and that is being the number one fan of all their grandchildren’s sporting events! Carol loves to stay active and finds time to volunteer in the choir at St. Mary Parish and hold her faithful, weekly commitment to St. Joseph’s. “I love to interact with the people who we serve,” explains Carol. “Even though it is often a short conversation, I enjoy making people feel cared for, instead of being just a number in a line.”

Roger and Carol are very aware that their time and commitment on Wednesdays helps keep the administrative costs low at St. Joseph’s so that a larger percentage of financial donations can be spent to help families in need in our community. Food Pantry supervisor, Vicky Martin, is grateful for the commitment and stability that Roger and Carol provide. “The example they display every Wednesday afternoon, as a couple joined in a common desire, makes a difference in the lives of others. It is a wonderful thing to witness,” praises Martin. “They are two of the most easy-going people to be around – volunteers that I am privileged to work with,” Vicky stated. “I count myself blessed to have them represent St. Joseph’s Family Center with such compassion and joy!”