January 2022: Volunteer of the Month

Mary Ann Anderson chops vegetables for soup.

Mary Ann Anderson is a regular face at Project Host, frequently running the drink station during service and doing whatever is needed of her otherwise. Originally from Georgia, Mary Ann moved to Greenville in 2013 and spends a lot of time “piddling” in her yard and spending time with her 15 grandchildren. She started volunteering at Project Host before the COVID lockdown and is delighted to be back.

How did you hear about Project Host?

My grandson’s Sunday school class came one Sunday so I came with him. I enjoyed it. It woke something up in me, and I thought, ‘There’s a need for this, and I’m retired.” So I started volunteering, but then COVID hit, and I sat at home for a year bored to death. But now we’re back, and I’m excited!

What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host?

The need that people have. I don’t need anything. I have more than I will ever need. There are a lot of people that don’t have the means to get what they need, so I like to find some way to help. If it weren’t for having to come in early, I’d come five days a week because I absolutely love it.

What is your relationship to our Soup Kitchen guests?

I love them all. Some of them have the sweetest personalities, the best outlook for somebody that’s so down on their luck. I always try to be as kind as I possibly can, because I know their situations are not good.

What’s your favorite part of volunteering?

The fulfillment of doing something for somebody else, which I’ve never been able to do before.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I love working with all the other volunteers. Also, I try to do anything that needs doing, because it all needs doing, and someone’s got to do it.