When Paul Kelleher first heard about Lunch Break, it wasn’t from a flyer or a social media post, it was from his daughter. She had volunteered and knew it was something special. Her advice to her dad was simple and direct: “You have to give it a shot.”
So he did. And three years later, Paul hasn’t looked back.
Over the course of his time with Lunch Break, Paul has become a familiar and valued presence across multiple areas of the organization. From the donation room to the Your Choice Pantry to the warehouse, he’s rolled up his sleeves wherever he’s needed. He even used to help bag and bring donated items to Lunch Break at St. Leo’s once a month, a commitment that speaks to the kind of steady, show-up-and-do-the-work volunteer that every nonprofit depends on.
When asked why he keeps coming back, Paul’s answer is refreshingly straightforward: “It’s a good thing to do. You get a great feeling, and you give back to the community.”
But it’s not just the good feeling that keeps Paul motivated, it’s the moments that remind him why this work matters so much.
One experience in particular has stayed with him. While volunteering in the Your Choice Pantry, Paul noticed a woman donating food back, the very food she had just received. Curious, he asked her why. Her answer stopped him in his tracks: she didn’t have enough room in her car to take it all home.
For Paul, that moment said everything.
“Stories like that really hit home,” he reflected. “They prove that what we’re doing is making a difference for a community that really needs help.”
Angela Jackson, Lunch Break Volunteer Manager said this of Paul, “Paul is someone we can always depend on. He frequently steps in at short notice or switches shifts when necessary. We are truly grateful for the consistency and care he provides to our guests and donors each week. Thank you, Paul, for everything you do.”
That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t show up in statistics, it shows up in the quiet, powerful moments between people. And it’s volunteers like Paul Kelleher who make those moments possible.
Thank you, Paul, for three incredible years of service. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Lunch Break family.
