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Volunteer Appreciation Month Profile: Celebrating Barbara Strong

Submitted by Delfin Vigil on Tue, 04/11/2017 - 10:04
Barbara Strong has volunteered with Project Open Hand for nearly 25 years
Elle Garner, Evening Volunteer Coordinator Categories:
Volunteer

At Project Open Hand we rely upon more than 125 volunteers every day to help prepare, package and deliver nutritious meals and distribute groceries to sick and elderly neighbors. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we will be spotlighting the stories of our wonderful and dedicated network of volunteers who have been helping us fulfill our mission of delivering "meals with love" since 1985. This week, we catch up with Barbara Strong, who has been volunteering with Project Open Hand for more than 30 years.

Barbara Strong began volunteering at Project Open Hand in 1992 with her energy focused on meal distribution. She recently retired from volunteering after 24 years of incredibly dedicated service. Her journey started with meal deliveries to the Alexander Hamilton, the Cadillac Hotel and numerous locations on O’Farrell. “People were still very sick with AIDS and often it was all they could do to meet the delivery person at the door in their bathrobe,” Barbara said, with a warm heart shining through her presence.

What is your favorite memory of Project Open Hand?

The impressive range of diversity at Project Open Hand creates an atmosphere where people work together to get things done no matter how different they are.

Why would you recommend volunteering or supporting Project Open Hand?

Project Open Hand doesn’t just say they serve meals with love, they really do. The staff and volunteers are quick to give unwavering compassion and respect to those they work with and serve. It’s amazing to see a whole building of people so consistently dedicated and kind.

If you were on a deserted island and you could only have one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

A Cobb salad everyday which includes bacon, eggs for protein and vegetables. The meal wouldn’t be complete without coffee, a glass of white wine and chocolate almond toffee. I couldn’t survive on a desert island without chocolate.

What is your favorite food served at Project Open Hand?

Barbara’s eyes light up when she describes the chili mac Project Open Hand used to serve which featured pasta and beans. Everyone loved the chili mac, it was a favorite.

What spirit animal do you identify with?

I had to research on google what a spirit animal was. I took the quiz three times and it came out different each time. Whale: guided by an inner voice. Turtle: walks with serenity and wisdom. Goat: stamina and the ability to climb to great heights. I saw a little of myself in each of these but really wanted to be a Snow Leopard. They’re majestic, beautiful, allusive, solitary and feline.

What song is the soundtrack to your life?

"I Did It My Way." It isn't my favorite song, but it's the one that summarized my journey.

If you have questions about volunteering with Project Open Hand, please call (415) 447-2300, email volunteer@openhand.org, or visit openhand.org/volunteer.