Pandemic Year - Volunteers - Harry Sweigert - Dorothy's Place

Pandemic Year – Volunteers – Harry Sweigert

The Pandemic – One Year at Dorothy’s Place

By Jill Allen, Executive Director

Our volunteers come from many backgrounds and have a variety of experiences.  When I get to know them, I usually find that what inspires them to volunteer is unique to them, and their outlook on life.

“Dorothy’s Place has a place in my heart,” says Harry Sweigert, “I grew up in Salinas and I knew the neighborhood when Soledad and Lake Streets were full of businesses.  I had friends who lived nearby. I saw the neighborhood change.  I believe God has led me to come here.  My faith inspires me to serve others, to ‘be the hands and feet…’ as people say.”

Harry has been a produce broker for 38 years.  He has been semi-retired during the pandemic because of the shelter-in-place order.  He found that he had time to volunteer during the middle of the day, when Dorothy’s Kitchen prepares and serves lunch.

Harry has a lot of experience as a volunteer.  He is also a life-long football coach with local schools. He played football when he was a student and says, “I want to give back to the game that was so good to me.”  For Harry, volunteering is a way of life.

Asked what he thinks about volunteering at Dorothy’s Place, he says, “What we do is great. The people who come for the meals are all different, most are down on their luck. It’s not my place to really know.  I do know that there is a need.” 

Thank you, Harry.  We are fortunate and blessed to have you on our Team!

With love, respect and compassion, Dorothy’s Place provides essential services, transitional support and housing assistance to people experiencing the injustice of homelessness and extreme poverty.

Without your financial support, our work doesn’t happen. Join us! Stand with us as we assist people from street life to home life. Your solidarity is humbly and gratefully received.