Today, we're shining a light on Pam Sidhi, a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and local volunteer who is dedicated to making a difference in her city!
Pam is a devoted volunteer who spends her free time helping out with a variety of organizations, including Hands On Atlanta, Scouting, Mustang Volunteer Support, Atlanta Food Bank, St. Paul Vincent Thrift Store & Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC). When we asked Pam about the impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta that she cares about most, she shared that it's all about creating communities that work for all ages and abilities.
"As a legal immigrant, I have witnessed the need for a community to support the growing need for food insecurity and improve educational outcomes," she explained.
Pam's passion for volunteering is palpable, and she loves partnering with nonprofits that provide safety and security for the volunteers who lead or participate as individuals. "For example, as a stay-at-home mom, I can experience volunteering in organizations that are welcoming and open to ideas that I share which have improved the experience. I have not felt I could not go alone to make the change," she shared.
“I learned that you need a mind and a heart with 4 hours a week to make a change...” ”
Volunteering has impacted Pam's personal and professional life in so many positive ways. It's allowed her to see the challenges facing the community and work alongside other like-minded volunteers to make a difference. "I learned that you need a mind and a heart with 4 hours a week to make a change. I’m also very proud to serve along with my little one growing up to be a servant leader in the community," she shared.
When asked to share a memorable highlight or moment from her volunteering experience, Pam had an inspiring story to tell. "I believe that age does not matter when you volunteer. My experience was seeing my little one not waste food after we visited the Atlanta Community Food Bank. We plan to return to all the nonprofits we volunteered for last year," she said.
So, what advice does Pam have for others who are interested in getting involved with volunteering? "Give it a try. Please do not give up on volunteering for one bitter person who attended the event. You are needed. A huge 'Thank You' if you show up for an event because you made a difference," she added.
Pam is currently helping with a food pantry distribution for Clarkson Community Center on April 8th. This project is full, but if you're interested in supporting, you can find the Amazon wishlist to contribute here. You can also visit the Hands On Atlanta website and sign up for the next event in May.
As we wrap up our chat with Pam, we asked her why she loves Atlanta and some of her favorite things about the city. "Atlanta - the City of Coke and the Olympic city. Of course, for me, my little one was born here. We have lived here for fourteen years, evolving into a melting pot of the south. We have seen it grow and learned to adapt to the ever-changing world," she shared.
Finally, Pam wants to remind everyone that it's her birthday on April 7th, and she encourages the community to take notice of the good work that people are doing to help each other during these challenging times. "We are recovering from the pandemic and have lost so many lives. It would be great if you smiled as you passed by or if you noticed someone doing a good deed - please say, 'Good work'."
Happy birthday, Pam!
Feeling inspired by Pam's amazing volunteer work?
You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.
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