October 2023: Volunteer Spotlight
This month, we want to highlight the work of Diane Iseminger. Diane joined us last year after volunteering at our 13th annual BBQ Festival and Cook-Off. She loves the opportunity to be a part of a team whose shared purpose it to serve others. We truly appreciate her hard work and dedication to our mission each month. We look forward to seeing her smiling face in the kitchen this week!
Diane enjoying her time in the Soup Kitchen with fellow volunteers.
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you originally from? How long have you lived in Greenville?
My husband and I lived in Indiana for 35 years before relocating to Greenville five years ago. I worked at Furman and their internship office for four years before I retired in August 2022.
How long/often do you volunteer at PH?
I started volunteering at Project Host at the annual BBQ event last year and started in the soup kitchen last December - I typically come 2 to 4 times a month.
How did you learn about Project Host and what drew you to volunteering in the Soup Kitchen?
I learned about Project Host in the internship office because we used to have interns who would work as part of the organization during the summer so I knew something about its mission and wanted to contribute and help support the good work they do in the community.
What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host?
I appreciate the chance to be part of the team whose shared purpose is to serve others.
What’s your favorite memory from volunteering at Project Host?
One of the clients we served sat down to play the piano in the dining room while everyone was eating lunch, and it created a warmer atmosphere for both the clients and the volunteers.
How has volunteering at Project Host shaped/changed your view of Greenville?
I wish we didn’t need a soup kitchen, but I am realistic enough to know that in the times we live in, this type of support is necessary, and I’m just so thankful that the kitchen exists, and has the kind of support from the community, both private and public, that it requires in order to be available to those who need it.