May 2021: Volunteer of the Month

Taryn Copeland prepares bagged lunches in the Soup Kitchen.

Taryn Copeland has been a dedicated volunteer at Project Host for three years. She’s been such a steadfast presence, in fact, that she was recognized as a Molina Healthcare Community Champion in 2018 for her work at Project Host. She comes three days a week to help wherever she can in the Soup Kitchen, and her easy-going nature brings a calming presence to guests and volunteers alike.

How did you hear about project Host?

My brother used to come here to eat meals. I had been looking for some volunteer work, and one day when I was in the car with my brother, we drove past here and he told me about it. After that, I signed up to volunteer.

What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host?

This is my passion. I love volunteering. Volunteering is something that I always wanted to do, but I worked so much that I didn’t know how to find the time. Then I got sick and wasn’t able to work anymore. So God worked it out so that I could volunteer my time.

What is your relationship to our Soup Kitchen guests?

I have a good relationship with them and know some of the regulars. I like talking with them. I think with my being African-American and most of our guests being African-American as well, I can talk to them and, if needed, help calm them down and remind them that all of us volunteers and staff are here for a good reason when they get agitated.

I’m looking forward to post-COVID world so that I can have more interaction with the guests again. I miss the regulars. When the dining room is open, you can be back in the kitchen doing something, and you’ll have people come through and recognize you and ask how you’re doing.

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

I lived off of Laurens Road for years, and I’ve only been on this side of town for five years or so. I never knew that there was so much poverty and homelessness. Once I moved closer to downtown, I was shocked. I’d heard about it in the news, but I never knew it. I asked myself, what can I do to help. I have to do something. 

What’s your favorite part of volunteering?

I love socializing with everyone, seeing new faces, cooking, and doing different tasks. When I first started, I was volunteering five days a week. I just wanted to meet everybody. I came back after some time out sick, and now I’m working three days. But the nice thing is that now I can work any day of the week because I know everybody, and I have a good relationship with all the volunteers.

 Is there anything else you want to share about Project Host?

I love Project Host. I love the organization and everything you do, and how everyone cares about people. I love the food truck and how it goes out in the community and spreads the love. It’s a great organization, and I am blessed to be part of it.