Volunteer Profile: Debbi and Jay Baum

The chill of crisp Autumn air is finally upon us, and the God's Love We Deliver family has begun to take comfort in wooly sweaters and cups of hot cocoa. Who needs a hearth, though, when we have the spirit and dedication of our volunteers to warm our souls? Pam, David, Seth, Vivienne and Jeremy are especially heartened by an unprecedented level of volunteerism. We are thrilled to have so many new volunteers this season and are, of course, indebted to those that return year after year. We can always depend on the long-timers to show new volunteers the ropes, but there are few that are as good role models as Debbi and Jay Baum.

Debbi came to God's Love We Deliver in 1997 after trying many other different kinds of volunteering such as literacy programs, helping disadvantaged children and assisting a school for the blind. None of those places worked out for Debbi, though, and she started to worry if she had problems with commitment. All that changed when she arrived here, and soon after she knew it was a good fit. The Thursday night kitchen crew embraced Debbi by making her a team captain. She was eventually spending so much time at GLWD that her husband Jay jokes that he had to come in to chop veggies on Thursdays as well just so they could see each other!

Although Debbi and Jay are not currently able to work in the kitchen because of time constraints, they are avid special event volunteers. They have handed out information at the Duplex, sharpened knives at Broadway Panhandler, and helped in the kitchen when guest chefs give lessons and demonstrations. They also monitor the Jersey City meal distribution center on Holidays, and this year they marched with the GLWD contingent in the Heritage of Pride Parade.

Debbi also assists the volunteer services department by leading some of our orientations for new volunteers. In fact, Debbi says, "Of all the things I do here, giving orientations is my absolute favorite." Debbi is proud to be a part of an effective, well-run organization and loves to talk about GLWD. "When I give orientations, I get to share that pride and explain what is behind it. When I get excited, the volunteers get excited, and a sort of synergy is created. "

Debbi and Jay often remark on how good it makes them feel to volunteer at GLWD. Their biggest worry, however, is that they are getting much more out of the experience than they are giving. Well, Debbi and Jay, the Volunteer Services department thinks that is impossible. We can't thank you enough for all of the hard work you do for us. You are role models for us all!