December 2022: Volunteer Spotlight

Ken and Kim work hard in the Soup Kitchen preparing meals.

Ken and Kim Clubb are longtime South Carolinians that were looking for a way to give back to their community. Project Host was lucky enough to be the place where they decided to devote their time. These two have been volunteering with us consistently for a year now, and we are extremely grateful for all of their hard work and support. Project Host wanted to know what it is about volunteering in our Soup Kitchen that keeps them coming back week after week.

Tell me a little about yourselves. Where are you originally from? How long have you lived in Greenville?

I am originally from Greenville, but moved to Simpsonville, SC, when I was in high school. Ken is from Columbia and moved here in 1976. We have been married 45 years, have two daughters and three granddaughters. We are both retired opticians.

How did you learn about Project Host and what drew you to volunteering in the Soup Kitchen? 

Everybody always asks when you retire if you are going to travel, but that is not what we had in mind. We have always wanted to do volunteer work to help other people in our community. This is what led us to Project Host.

How often do you volunteer at PH? 

We volunteer every Monday and have been doing this for a year. We really enjoy the team of volunteers we work with and have had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people along the way.

What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host? 

The Lord has blessed us with food and a warm home. Sometimes we don't realize how much we have been blessed with until you see those who don't have anything. Seeing those in need is what motivates us to be a part of Project Host. My favorite part of volunteering is handing people their food tray and telling them good morning. Then sometimes you see their spirits lift with a smile. Ken enjoys washing the dishes because he gets to speak to the people once they hand him their tray. A kind word can make someone's day sometimes.

How has volunteering at Project Host shaped your view of Greenville? 

Many people are in need of help, and we are glad we can be a part of helping others. The people who come in to get a meal are being blessed by this service, but Ken and I receive a blessing also by helping others. We also volunteer at Miracle Hill Food Warehouse and Loaves and Fishes, and I serve at Renewal Women's Shelter.