Anna and Scott Falk know a good thing when they hear about it… several things, in fact. In May, their friend and neighbor, Kathryn Chan, called to say that PORCH was in immediate need of help at our monthly sort and delivery, so on the Falks came to lend a hand (or four). Retired lawyers who last August moved down from West Hartford, Connecticut (“What?” Anna says, surprised, “you’ve heard of it?”), they looked south to Chapel Hill and Carrboro and settled in the one place that knew what they needed…neighbors close by, sidewalks and few steps to walk for coffee and a bite. Meadowmont suited them and their twin girls, now students at Culbreth Middle School, just right.
You can tell from their first day working that they will suit PORCH just fine, too. When we talked to Anna the next day, she had nothing but high praise for the whole idea of PORCH…dedicated people who have begun a valuable community service, volunteers who keep its good work going farther and farther, and amazing efficiency. “It’s so well-thought out, like a well-oiled machine: a lot of corporations could learn from this system,” she remarks emphatically.
What Anna likes best, she says, is the chance to help make a difference in people’s lives. “Volunteering makes you feel good, when you know you are doing something for someone else. Even on a not-so-good day, you go out and come back feeling better.” PORCH is such a worthwhile cause, she adds, that you feel extragood knowing that your help directly benefits the people who need it.
We’re not sure whether they knew what they were getting into, but the Falks were hard workers, not only showing up for the sort and pack and drive, but also going on to help Debbie with fresh food bagging. Debbie’s garage was an eye-opener. “PORCH is so much more than donated cans and packages. Each family gets fresh food…even chicken, eggs, milk…I’m so impressed!”
Getting right into the spirit of PORCH, Anna already plans to recruit her West Hartford neighborhood to start a branch. Her enthusiasm is probably enough to power the chance from here.
Welcome to PORCH, Anna and Scott! You’ve made our day.
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