By Amy Bowman, Open Arms volunteer
For Jane Borochoff of Plymouth, MN, volunteering is a way of life. Jane has a heart for helping others and began doing so as a young girl by visiting a lonely neighbor and befriending other kids she sensed needed a buddy. The importance of making a difference for others led to a career as a music therapist and vocational counselor, assisting people with disabilities to find employment.
Both Jane and her husband, a retired General Mills employee, have made volunteering a priority in their lives. “There’s so much need, and so much to do,” said Jane. “My family has been very fortunate in so many ways and I find it impossible to look at the needs around me and not want to do something.”
The Borochoffs first heard about Open Arms years ago, not long after the organization was just getting started. “It’s amazing that one man, who had a caring heart and wanted to feed a few friends, built this amazing organization that is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility,” she said.
The Borochoffs volunteered at various other organizations over the years and were reintroduced to Open Arms a few years ago. They were impressed with the level of food safety and the profound impact that the organization is having on the community, leading Jane to inquire about further volunteer opportunities.
“I’m very selective about where I volunteer,” she said. “I chose Open Arms because I believe that sick people should never go hungry and I believe that Open Arms services are desperately needed. Plus, I feel like I’m really helping to make a difference, and I’m having fun!” she exclaimed. “Open Arms has a culture of friendliness and openness and I look forward to coming here every week.”
Jane can be found every Friday at the reception desk where she greets visitors, answers the phone, labels delivery bags, handles mailings, fills out birthday cards for clients and works on other various projects. She is one of the many volunteers that make it possible for Open Arms to touch so many lives.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers like Jane, Open Arms is able to continuing growing and nourishing more clients than ever. You can help make our mission possible, too!
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