Serving up gratitude
On Thanksgiving, bank analyst Trude Hansen, 55, will serve roast turkey and all the trimmings to about 360 diners at the Scott Mission. Her whole family volunteers, serving and washing dishes. She helps out Saturdays and on holidays. After she started volunteering in 2009, her enthusiasm inspired her husband, Stein, 56, and daughter, Alison, 18. “Our family is so blessed,” says Trude. “We’re able to do something for somebody else.” Q: Why did you start volunteering? A: It started as a work initiative, a community service event, but I felt so strongly about the work they were doing that I wanted to continue. I volunteered on holidays, especially Thanksgiving, when the whole goal is to give back to the community, to be thankful for what we have. I wanted to do something that impacted people right then and there. It’s not the same as giving a donation. You see the people getting fed. Q: What do you do during a shift? A: We set the tables and assist in the kitchen. We serve plates of food from trays to the clients’ tables. Once the 10:30 a.m. seating has eaten, we clean and sanitize everything, reset the tables for the next seating, and do it all again. On Thanksgiving and other holidays, we’ll do it three times.
Q: How is Thanksgiving at the Mission different from Saturdays?
A: There’s a holiday feeling, an extra special meal — turkey, stuffing, cranberries — and the table is set extra nicely. There’s more of a buzz. Q: Who comes for the meals? A: When I first started I thought it was only the homeless. But we see students. It’s people in the community who need an extra meal here and there. Some may be couples but typically, they’re individuals, more men than women. Q: What do you enjoy most? A: You’re doing something tangible that makes a difference to the clients. They’re very appreciative. Q: What’s the hardest part? A: You know after they’ve finished eating, the majority of them will be back on the street. You’re doing something, but maybe it’s not enough. It would be nice to see them in a better place in their lives. Q: Do you interact with diners? A: We always say, “Good morning” and “How are you today?” Some will look you in the eye and respond, even have a conversation. Others don’t speak to you. You definitely recognize faces, ones you see regularly. They may be a bit more open and say hello, but most are very private.
Q: Are there any moments that stick in your mind?
A: It was probably the second Boxing Day I was there. One fellow said to me, “What are you doing here today? Shouldn’t you be home with your family?” I replied, “As a matter of fact, my family is here with me. We’re where we need to be.” And he said, “Oh, God bless you.”