For this year’s Global Volunteer Month, we caught up with Michelle Signorelli, Category Manager at RaceTrac Petroleum. She volunteers at Habitat for Humanity as well as a variety of organizations through Hands On Atlanta. We loved hearing what makes her volunteer experiences valuable. Get inspired to get out and volunteer!

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most?

That's a tough question, I've enjoyed all of the different events addressing needs that I've done with HOA for different reasons. For Atlanta specifically, I would say Youth Education & Hunger/Homelessness. I am passionate about youth education because it provides a unique opportunity for the positive impact to be carried throughout a child's life. Food insecurity & homelessness address the foundational needs of every person's life and provides the opportunity to reach a substantial group of people with each event.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

I was participating in the Civic Leadership Program (CLP) with Hands On Atlanta and I could no longer serve at my partner organization or meet with the CLP class. At first, the restrictions made it more challenging to volunteer and it interrupted the "habit" I had established. On the positive side, the Hands On Atlanta team kept me in the know on existing and emerging needs in Atlanta, so I was able to serve in a way that worked for me. In a time where many of us felt helpless with little control of the situation, serving provided an outlet and opportunity to put that energy into action

Creativity in Action: Michelle’s CLP fundraising was completed mostly by refinishing furniture and having the recipients donate to her goal!

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with?

The first thing I loved about my partner organization, A.G. Rhodes, was the general atmosphere of positivity and warmth. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the residents, each of them with a unique personality and history. I have no doubt these are also the reasons the volunteers revisited A.G. Rhodes each month.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

First and foremost, the follow-up email from Task Leaders/HOA that tells you the impact of the time you spent serving: "We served 15,000 lbs. of food to 500 families." My only thought each time is, "Wow." There are not many ways you can spread that much love, to that many people, in that amount of time.

Ready to join Michelle and fight food insecurity?

This month Michelle’s volunteering with the Atlanta Public Schools Meal Packs. Find more ways to serve hunger and homelessness in the Atlanta area by clicking below to see our upcoming opportunities!

Inspired by Michelle’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Michelle’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.