If you ever wondered what brings someone back week after week to volunteer at The Salem Pantry, look no further than Kobi, a dedicated, thoughtful, and all around inspiring member of our team.
She didn’t plan on becoming a regular at The Salem Pantry. Joining us as a former delivery driver with the North Shore Moving Market, she said yes to helping with a simple office mailing. One shift turned into another… and then she was hooked.
“Once I met a few of the folks, I was motivated to look for a regular shift and found one that completely surprised me.”
That surprise?
The Friday morning Pop-Up Pantry at Loring Towers. At 7 a.m.
“My friends were amused. I’m NOT a morning person. But I loved it.”
Every Friday, rain or shine, she and longtime volunteer and friend Paula were there, ready to serve. That early morning energy kicked off a deeper connection, and soon she was a regular face everywhere: the Warehouse, the Market, the office.
“There hasn’t been a shift that I didn’t enjoy, and a lot of that is due to the terrific people at TSP and the feeling of teamwork throughout.”
She brings heart to everything she does. Whether she’s sorting deliveries, sharing laughs with staff in the office, or bagging groceries, she’s driven by one powerful belief:
“Clean air and water, healthy food, and safe shelter are basic human rights. We’re all here to take care of one another.”
For her, volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s about connecting with something greater.
“My work with TSP has enabled new Salem connections for me. Feeling rooted in my community represents the achievement of an important long-term goal of mine. I have TSP to thank for that.”
After years of commuting into Boston, she felt disconnected. Now, she’s not only part of The Salem Pantry family, she’s exploring other ways to stay rooted locally, including volunteering at Mack Park Farm.
“Volunteering has been just like a nice thick puzzle piece that you place with a satisfying ‘snap.’”
Thinking about volunteering? She’s got a message for you:
“Come on and join us! You’ll ask yourself why you waited so long. And if you have questions, there are always volunteers happy to chat. There’s no lack of work to do, and we need you now more than ever.”
Kobi is just one example of the terrific team of volunteers at The Salem Pantry. Their heart and commitment are what make our work possible every day.