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“I love to volunteer at Irving Cares with my children.They ask a great deal of questions about the activities of the Irving Cares employees and volunteers.They were impressed to see that the idea of teaching someone how to fish, not just giving them a fish, is used at Irving Cares.They have seen the professionals training and educating clients in budgeting, in food planning, in basic family economics – so they can function on their own and are not relying on Irving Cares regularly.”~Quote from Chris Arrington
When Chris Arrington began volunteering for us in 2000, we didn’t know just how wonderful a person had entered all of our lives.Although Chris had donated to Irving Cares financially throughout the years, Chris put “action” behind his “words”.Chris signed up initially to be an “on-call as needed” volunteer.Little did he know where his commitment of time and energy would take him.
In 2006, Chris and his wife, Kim, graciously joined five other couples to provide a barbecue dinner that was auctioned off, raising $1,000.Prior to the 2006 ‘Que,the Arringtons have donated their traditional Arrington Mexican Fiesta to the Irving Cares Annual Fundraiser, The Great Harvest.This year, with a slant towards their family’s heritage, Chris is stepping up the level of fun by donating a Crawfish Boil for 50 in their home for the 2008 event and for Great Harvests for years to come..The Great Harvest – An Evening to Care is our annual fundraiser that helps generate the necessary operating revenue that connects Irving Cares services with its clients.By concentrating efforts on programs and services that are proactive, preventative and contain client partnership, Irving Cares affects lives. “The programs provided by Irving Cares help families overcome tough situations.We assisted over 25,000 Irving residents last year, and the success of The Great Harvest directly impacts our ability to provide services to those in need”, reflected Teddie Story, Executive Director of Irving Cares.
When food is donated to Irving Cares, the donation must be weighed, sorted, and shelved in our food pantry.Chris and his family have volunteered in the food pantry during the holidays and at other various times throughout the year.As a longtime resident of Irving for 22 years, Chris is familiar with the overwhelming need in the community.Just this past November and December, Irving Cares processed approximately 29 tons of food.
“The greatest reward of this service is being able to actually put my hands on the products that will be used to benefit the needy citizens of Irving.” ~ quote from Chris Arrington
Our food pantry inventory is conducted every March.Over the past few years, Chris has created and headed up a team of teenagers to count and tally our entire inventory.This is an extremely tedious project, but Chris lends his leadership and organizational skills to get the task done quickly and efficiently.Chris and his family have worked in the food pantry filling client orders.This entails understanding the client grocery order (as filled out by the staff Case Manager), communicating with the client regarding special needs, and filling the order with grocery items according to suggested agency guidelines.
“It is exciting to see the eyes of my children and their friends who have helped stock the food pantry as they come in contact with the Irving Cares clients.Everyday citizens who have hit a bump in the road, families who need a band-aid assistance to put some food on the table.” ~ Quote from Chris Arrington It is often very difficult to place a volunteer in a weekend volunteer position.When our lead weekend pick-up volunteer relocated to another city, Chris and his family graciously agreed to accept this new volunteer assignment on a weekly basis.Chris picks up day old bakery products from Tom Thumb and Kroger grocery stores on Saturdays and Sundays.This requires Chris to go to the bakery location, pick up the donation, and bring the donation to Irving Cares.
“Weekly, our family is engaged in seeing what is considered waste by some but used as “daily bread” for many others.” ~ Quote from Chris Arrington
Chris’ willingness to volunteer above and beyond the call of duty enabled our weekend pick-up and delivery program to remain in tact.This ensures that our clients will have bread and bakery products on Monday morning.
Ask yourself, “What happens when a crisis relief organization finds itself in a crisis?”Meeting the needs of victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita were only accomplished by the love and dedication of our volunteers.Chris Arrington and his family attend IrvingBibleChurch.IrvingBibleChurch donated bottled water and Gatorade to be distributed to hurricane victims seeking assistance from Irving Cares.This met a significant need as bottled water and Gatorade are not usually donated to the agency.
Chris is always cheerful with his fellow volunteers and has a fond spot in his heart for having the opportunity to volunteer with his children, Will and Haley.He is also a positive role model for other teens, as he has encouraged fellow students and church friends of his children to volunteer with his family.His tender way of modeling respect for the importance of volunteering, while playfully evoking laughter, are special qualities that have endeared him to us.
Chris and his family have never asked for or expected any accolades for his devotion to Irving Cares.Instead, he has always been forward thinking in expanding his volunteer experience.His friendly personality and his genuine kindness have brought rave reviews back to the agency from other volunteers.
As you can see, Chris has a wonderful gentleness of spirit about himself.He is open minded, honest and willing to listen to suggestions as well as offer ideas.He rarely says no to any request that is made of him. Irving Cares is extremely grateful and blessed for the volunteer service of Chris Arrington.
