Valeri Parham, Front Desk
Similar to most of the Food Shuttle’s mission-driven volunteers, Valeri P. recognizes how vulnerable her neighbors are to incidents or one missed paycheck, which can lead to food insecurity, and prioritizes her time to help. Valeri began volunteering regularly at the Food Shuttle after a mutual connection on NextDoor responded to her post seeking local volunteer opportunities. Through an initial conversation with Marc H., the previous Volunteer Services Manager, she was encouraged to start at the front desk of the Raleigh Warehouse, where she would answer phone calls and direct visitors and other volunteers. With her professional background in human resources, strong social skills, and incredible wit, she quickly secured a weekly volunteer shift supporting the front desk. Now, two years into her position, Valeri has logged 243 hours and seeks to donate even more of her time.
The Volunteer Services Team (VST) is beyond grateful to have such an amazing volunteer who not only understands the mission but also brings personality and humor to the office each shift! It can be said that a typical shift includes balancing the organization’s administrative needs and the antics reminiscent of a buddy film co-starring Emily O. on the VST. Warehouse visitors frequently bear witness to the many quips and banter between the two, admiring the friendship the staff aims to develop with their volunteers. Moreso, Valeri is a friend to all. Her kind nature serves as a magnet for everyone who calls and enters the warehouse. So much so, this light-hearted spirit often overflows to her volunteer counterpart, Cheryl H., who manages the afternoon shift.
Looking to the future, her wish is to see the Food Shuttle expand its capacity to serve additional counties south of Wake County and to provide more resources that address the smallest of barriers (i.e., access to can openers) to families. She notes, “It is heartbreaking to know that some of the emergency food boxes go to families that do not own a can opener to use the food that is given to them.” She is no stranger to the bonds of family, with four brothers and two sisters who regularly host family gatherings and proudly volunteer for organizations across Wake County. Her community clearly stands at the forefront of her priorities, evident in the commitment she devotes to the Food Shuttle and the role she models for her two children and grandbaby!
Colby Trotter, VST Intern
Last summer, the Volunteer Services Department scored a newly graduated NCSU student, Colby Trotter, as their intern. His application came out of left field, as Colby spent his college days studying sports journalism and working as an editor for NCSU’s student newspaper, Technician. However, with five months left until graduation, he felt hesitation continuing in journalism and found himself redefining what a fulfilling life could mean. He discovered that positioning himself in a role where he could act on his intrinsic values was his key to finding fulfillment, especially in a role that would allow him to apply his passions for physical fitness, nutrition, and selfless service.
While his passion for sports remained strong in his final semester, his focus as an editor shifted from chasing the next story to becoming a better leader for his team and mentoring the next generation of editors. Colby identified his best friend and Technician coworker, Nicole, as a role model who helped him reframe his leadership style. Her influence ultimately led to the redirection of his career and encouraged him to prioritize compassion. Eventually, the acts of serving others in a leadership position, challenging his mental fortitude, and incorporating physical health prompted him to apply to the Army’s Officer Candidate School upon graduation.
In between graduation and basic training, the Food Shuttle had the pleasure of working with Colby during his transition. You might have stumbled across Colby learning about our programs through gardening at our agricultural sites, packing Grocery Bags for Seniors at the Malone Center, delivering Summer Meals across Wake County, and lending a helping hand. He was the VST’s MVP when the volunteer programs required more support and, through training, became equipped to present and lead his own shifts. In August, the VST wished him well as he pursued his greater sense of service, confident that he would continue to excel in supporting his community!
Marilyn Carney, GBS
Marilyn Carney is a frequent volunteer with Grocery Bags for Seniors who began her service with the Food Shuttle after a quick Google search, inspired by her experience with Dorcas Ministries in Cary. Originally from Richmond, VA, Marilyn has always had a heart for serving her community by promoting literacy and addressing food insecurity. Since moving to Garner, she has cultivated a wide local network of community involvement, including tutoring for Wake County literacy programs and working with the Clayton Center for Active Aging. She notes she has a particular interest in child and senior hunger initiatives due to their increased vulnerability and actively coordinates a group from her church, Cary 1st Christian Church, to volunteer with Grocery Bags for Seniors each time there is an opening!
Among her philanthropic activities, Marilyn enjoys the beauty of research which she developed after a successful first career in cytotechnology. Marilyn set her eyes on UNC’s Library Science graduate program to further her skills in research. She later retired in 2013 from her second career at Wake Tech as head health sciences librarian. In her retirement, Marilyn uses those skills by participating in the National Genealogy Society, the North Carolina Genealogy Society and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Her family is one of her greatest sources of joy and uncovering and sharing her family history is her current priority. Storytelling has always been an essential tool for education and recognition, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share a glimpse of Marilyn’s story.
The Food Shuttle values the unique stories each of our volunteers shares and is inspired by Marilyn’s dedication to her neighbors and her effort to look beyond herself in her community. She is a true mission-minded individual who admittedly cannot recognize the difference between her day-to-day acts of kindness and formalized volunteering. To her, each day serves as an opportunity to help others beyond a traditional volunteer shift. We thank you, Marilyn!
