For Cheryl Samet, volunteering is in her family’s DNA. For nearly a decade, Samet has volunteered for Jewish Family Services. She credits her passion for volunteerism to her family.
“Both of my grandmothers were immigrants. Once they came over (to the United States), they did everything from Yachad to Hadassah and the Red Cross,” Samet said. “My mother and I did March of Dimes each year, and I also went trick-or-treating for UNICEF.”
Samet first started volunteering at JFS in 2012 while working at the Guadalupe Centers. Over time, she helped make deliveries for pantry clients and took clients to appointments as a JET Express driver. Throughout her volunteering, Samet got to know some of the clients’ personal histories, including one woman who had ties to food history.
“She (the client) was the first model for the Peter Pan peanut butter brand,” Samet said. “She showed me her costume and I thought it was very cool.”
When the pandemic hit, Samet stepped up to help by making hygiene bags for the Brookside pantry in addition to her deliveries.
“At times, I am the only face that some of our clients see, especially during COVID-19,” she said.
Every time Samet makes her rounds, clients thank her.
“The clients are so appreciative that JFS has opened their arms, hearts, and souls to be there for people and to make a difference in their lives,” Samet said.
In addition to her work as a delivery driver, Samet has also assisted JFS on various projects including making appointment reminder calls for pantry clients and helping with holiday projects.
“Cheryl has been an incredible volunteer and is always willing to go above and beyond what is asked of her,” said Vicki Johansen, JFS’s volunteer engagement coordinator. “She has a great attitude and always steps up to volunteer in any way needed.”
Outside of her efforts with JFS, Cheryl recently volunteered at the Brookside Art Annual and at events for both Kansas Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw and Harvesters.
Samet encourages others to try volunteering for JFS, or other organizations in the community.
“Volunteering draws you into the community. It helps you meet other people. It lets people know that there are others trying to do well in the world and not everybody is evil,” Samet said. “JFS is a brightness and the light at the end of the tunnel of the pandemic. This organization is helping the community in a big, big way and it’s growing.”
Samet has found volunteering personally fulfilling.
“It is in my heart and soul to help support and give back to the community,” Samet said. “If each of us can help, even one person, and touch a life that’s a mitzvah. It is a gift. It makes me feel so good to be volunteering,” she said.
If you are interested in becoming a JFS volunteer, please contact the volunteer engagement team at (913) 730-1410 or .
