Upon retiring ten years ago, Dena was looking for a way to give back when she discovered Friends In Deed. After reaching out to several local organizations, it was Tim, the Director of the Food Pantry, who responded first. “Come on in!” he said. From the moment she stepped through the doors, Dena felt at home.
Volunteering at the Food Pantry has been more than a commitment for Dena—it’s become her mission. She knows many of the Pantry community members by name and makes it a point to connect with them on a personal level. Whether she’s giving hugs, high-fives, or cracking jokes, Dena’s goal is always the same: to bring a smile to someone’s face. “Their pain becomes my pain,” she says. “It’s hard not to feel it deeply.”
One memory stands out for Dena. A mother and her two children, living in their car, came to the Food Pantry desperate for help. They hadn’t eaten and asked for as much food as possible. As soon as they received their groceries, they sat down nearby and began to eat. Wanting to provide some comfort, Dena handed them stuffed animals donated by her granddaughter, who also volunteers at Friends In Deed. The little girl clung to hers, and later, she made a small clay rose as a thank-you gift for Dena—a gesture so meaningful that Dena keeps it in a special “museum” at home alongside her grandchildren’s artwork.
For Dena, the work is personal. Growing up in a low-income, immigrant family, she knows what it feels like to be invisible. Despite their struggles, her parents were models of kindness, always welcoming others into their home and sharing what little they had. Dena strives to pass that same generosity and compassion to her grandchildren, bringing them to Friends In Deed so they can experience the importance of giving back.
Through her dedication, Dena embodies the heart of Friends In Deed. Whether comforting a child, listening to someone’s story, or simply sharing a laugh, she reminds us that small acts of kindness can create profound connections—and brighten even the darkest days.