community spotlight
Mixed ingredients: The varieTy of volunTeers in MaMa’s KiTchen by david vera
It takes a special kind of person to donate a good chunk of his or her time to- Lonnie spends his down time with other community service projects and losing
ward the benefit of someone else—especially when this kind individual expects himself, “Somewhere in nature, physical activity, personal spirituality…anything
nothing in return. The most surprising part is that nearly anyone, including you, involving people, animals or preserving our environment.”
can be that person. Duc’s career also certainly contributes toward a better world as he works in a
Evidence of this can be seen in the diversity of characters on the volunteer biochemistry laboratory doing research on immunology. But don’t think he can’t
roster at Mama’s Kitchen. Two such motley crewmembers are local residents loosen up once in a while. “I enjoy being physically active,” explained Duc. “I’m
Duc Nguyen and Lonnie Brunini. Though they come from completely different part of a fight gym here in San Diego training in Muay Thai. I find it to be a great
places, social scenes and age groups, they both decided to converge onto the outlet for me.” But aside from the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes of volunteering,
community and give altruism a new face. the true scope of impact that these men make every week has had a profound
As a fresh college transplant from Orange County, Duc was looking to become effect on them. Duc elaborates on one of his deliveries. “When I showed up to the
more involved with the community. “My roommate at the time had told me about client’s door I saw that there were children. The kids were so excited to let their
Mama’s Kitchen. I was moved and inspired attending their volunteer orientation. dad know their food had arrived. I realized that HIV/AIDS does not just affect the
After watching a client testimonial, I realized how lucky I was to be able to have person infected, but also their dependents, which in some cases are children.”
something so basic that I sometimes forget and take for granted: a hot meal. At Having also been granted a new perspective on this line of service, Lonnie de-
that moment I knew that I needed to help and be involved.” scribes an experience of his own. “One time I delivered to a woman’s room, found
Lonnie, also stirred by the prospect of volunteer work, retired from the U.S. Postal her on the floor, called paramedics, picked her up and cleaned her up, gave her
Service as a mail carrier in 2003. “Not owning a car, I bypassed Mama’s Kitchen be- fluids, got help so she could pass on with dignity, peacefully.”
cause I only knew about food delivery—I’m not a good cook! A fellow volunteer and “A lot of us forget the little things,” expressed Duc. “Taking a minute out of our
good friend, Bobbi Harwood, informed me there are jobs at M’s K (Mama’s Kitchen) busy day to offer a hand or to open a door for a stranger, asking someone how
that don’t require a car, and here I am! Fridays I pair up with a driver, Ken Cloutman their day is going, or even a simple hello and smile could benefit us all. Just being
who has become a good friend, and deliver food to the rooms in the downtown friendly and polite goes a long way.”
hotels while he waits at the curb—not much parking available.” A tournant of Lonnie agrees, stating that people could benefit from, “thinking about some-
sorts, Lonnie takes on tasks all around the establishment—such as giving out non- one other than themselves. I think our greatest challenge today is trying to teach
perishables at Mama’s Pantry on Thursdays, filling in for people on vacation or on this to our children. I guess example is the best way.”
sick days and working at fundraising events in various capacities.
Duc is no slouch at the Kitchen either. He hands off the hot meals to all the drivers
for their deliveries. He also delivers a route and assumes various duties at Mama’s How to make a difference by “nourishing the heart, one meal at a time.”
Kitchen events throughout the year. Both men seem to have developed an aware- The following dates are August volunteer orientations.
ness and appreciation of health, finances and personal relationships because of
their experiences at the Kitchen. “It has given me the strength to overcome any Tuesday, August 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Wednesday, August 19 from 5:00 p.m. to
obstacle I face in my life. I definitely have a more optimistic view,” said Duc. Even 6:00 p.m.
when they’re away from the hustle and bustle of the meal delivery world, Duc and For more information on volunteer criteria or to confirm orientation dates and times, contact Bill
Lonnie still can’t help but improve the world around them with the things they do. Patten at 619.233.6262 or by email at
bill@mamaskitchen.org.
8 RAGE monthly | August 2009
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