Daily Free Meals Program SHOUT OUT
Not everyone knows the full history of the Daily Free Meals Program, but it has an interesting story. It began as a potluck to support our community’s most marginalized people.
A community table was stationed outside the church and people started bringing leftovers to share with the community. The program grew to what we know today as the Daily Free Meals Program which serves three meals a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year!
Make sure to read our Meals Team Volunteer SPOTLIGHT below. GLIDE is excited to showcase one of our long-term staff members, James, someone you might recognize if you’ve ever visited our dining room.
Spotlighting a Daily Free Meal’s Team Hero: James Sampaga
By Tessa Stapp, Volunteer Coordinator
In this month’s edition of our volunteer newsletter, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible Meals Team members, James Sampanga. With a remarkable 17 years at GLIDE, it’s highly likely you’ve volunteered with James if you have joined us in the dining room in the past two decades.
From Struggles to Strength
James’s path to GLIDE is both poignant and uplifting. Growing up in Salinas, James struggled with a destructive lifestyle that eventually led him to San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. “I ended up in the Tenderloin because it was the only place I could afford,” he shares. “I was battling addiction and living very destructively.” Despite the chaos, James found a glimmer of hope through GLIDE. Initially, he started volunteering while on a break from his painting jobs.
“I would come to GLIDE to eat, and I decided to volunteer while I was here,” he explains. “I wasn’t looking for work; I just wanted to contribute,” James shares. “But the environment here—where everyone just wanted me to be the best version of myself—was a turning point. It made me want to be better.”
James’s dedication led him to a role as a dishwasher, and over the years, he transformed his life, leaving behind a destructive past. Today, he stands proudly, with 16 years of sobriety under his belt, as one of our Meal Shift Leads, overseeing the preparation and distribution of 1500 to 2,100 meals per day.
A Day in the Life
James’s shifts are anything but routine. “It’s different every day,” he explains. “We have so many volunteers—sometimes from as far as Japan or France—and we always have to adapt. But that’s what makes it exciting!”
He especially enjoys the variety of people he meets and the opportunity to help those in need. “I’ve been homeless, and I’ve battled addiction,” James says.
“I know what it’s like to be in those tough situations, so I see our guests as people, not just cases. I hope people looked at me with the same understanding when I was struggling.”
Cherished Moments
When asked about his favorite GLIDE memory, James reflects on the powerful impact of witnessing newcomers experience GLIDE’s mission for the first time. “Sometimes we get caught up in the grind, and it’s easy to forget how amazing what we do really is,” he admits. “Then someone new comes in, sees the work we’re doing, and is moved to tears. It’s a powerful reminder of why I love this job.”
James is also fond of our famous Fried Chicken Thursdays. “It’s such a tradition in this neighborhood,” he says with a smile. “It’s always busy and a bit chaotic, but I enjoy the nuttiness. It’s a part of what makes GLIDE so special.”
James cares about our clients because he’s lived that lifestyle. James’s message to our volunteers and supporters is simple but profound:
“When you see someone on the street and maybe they don’t look ‘right’, remember—they’re just like you. They have a story, they are someone’s mom, sibling or child, and sometimes they’ve made mistakes or faced challenges, but they’re still people. It’s all about perspective and compassion.”
His words are a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our work at GLIDE.
Thank You, James!
James’s journey from volunteer to Meal Shift Lead is an inspiring example of the profound impact one person can have. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of giving back.
Thank you, James, for your unwavering dedication and for being such a vital part of the our Meals Team operation. Your hard work and compassion make a world of difference every day.
GLibrary Needs Your Books !
We’re on the hunt for new or gently used books for our GLibrary initiative. From fiction to non-fiction, all genres are welcome! If you’re interested in donating, please reach out to our GLibrarian, Waverlee Craig, at: Wcraig@glide.org.
Thank You For Your Dedication!
Thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! Your commitment and passion make all the difference in our programming. I would like to give an EXTRA special shout out to our 12 fantastic Summer Gala volunteers. It is YOUR contributions that support all the work we do at GLIDE.
If you have a story idea or want to share your experiences, email me at Tstapp@glide.org with “Volunteer Newsletter Story” in the subject line. I can’t wait to hear from you!
With gratitude and excitement,
Tessa Stapp
Volunteer Coordinator, GLIDE
