Valkyries and Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis Volunteer
Valkyries staff and season-ticket holders kicked off their “Holiday Assist” program by volunteering at GLIDE’s Tuesday breakfast service during our incredibly busy Thanksgiving week. After the breakfast rush, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and staff helped us prepare for the holiday by pre-slicing pumpkin pies.
Our clients were delighted that the Valkyries brought their famous mascot, a friendly purple bird named Violet, and several posed for photos with the engaging creature. Katie Stockberger, the Valkyrie’s VP of Corporate Partnerships, also handed out free Valkyries-branded socks to clients. (Unhoused people often urgently need socks for basic hygiene, warmth, and feet protection).
Katie explained, “This volunteering event is the kick-off of our Holiday Assist program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente– we will keep on going all the way to the Christmas Holiday. Our inaugural season has been rooted in community– so we want to give back to community!”
The Valkyries are making food insecurity the focus of their volunteering journey because of how many Californians struggle with it. Although California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, more than 1 in 5 Californians — about 8.8 million — struggle with food insecurity.
Veronne Clark, Valkyrie’s Director of Community, said, “We’re truly interested in letting people know we are here for them. Even in the off season, we want to keep on giving back– and giving joy, most importantly!” In GLIDE’s past fiscal year, 290 organizations sent groups of volunteers to GLIDE. “Our kitchen staff makes homemade meals, but 100% of the prep and delivery relies on volunteers,” said Lindsey Coonan, GLIDE’s Director of Volunteerism. If you wish to volunteer at GLIDE, sign up for a shift here.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said, “GLIDE brings out the best in all of us in the community. The St. Francis prayer says, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ Well, when you offer opportunities to give back, that helps the volunteer as much as the person receiving.”
95% of our volunteers in our volunteer survey say that volunteering at GLIDE helps them feel more connected to San Francisco. If you want a deeper bond to this beautiful city, consider donating or giving back.
