How We Care
Volunteer Stories
"I spend time as a volunteer and donate to S.O.U.L. for several reasons. I donate to a variety of charitable organizations, and it is comforting to know that this one serves a local niche. Those in need can be next door as well as a continent away. In addition, the individuals who work on a regular basis with S.O.U.L. are, to a person, hardworking, dedicated and committed to its purpose. This is an organization worth our support." – Joan Wysocki, Herb Ease Inc.
"Working with S.O.U.L. has been the most giving experience of my life. To be able to be of service to others who are struggling filled my heart with gratitude. It was fulfilling knowing that we were all working together as a team with a common and simple goal, giving. The people of S.O.U.L. worked around the clock to assure that no family or individual was without food, clothing or anything else that they needed. My fellow students selflessly gave of themselves and their time. It was wonderful and a lot of fun to be able to work with each other for the simple pleasure of giving to another human being. The National Honor Society at Edsel Ford High School, under to direction of Mrs. Welmers, has committed to continue to work with S.O.U.L. during the next holiday season and we have future plans for Easter as well. We wrapped presents at Barnes and Noble for the holidays and pledged our earnings to S.O.U.L. This organization is one of beauty and gives hope to people who are in need. It is both a pleasure and honor to be associated with S.O.U.L. and it has filled my heart and S.O.U.L. with the joy of being of service to my fellow man, woman and child. It has also made me proud to work with the wonderful people of S.O.U.L. and my fellow students. It is a joy for the human heart to give to one another." – Ashely Levin
"I volunteered at one of the garage sales and was very impressed with people that I met. They all were caring for others around them and wanted to help out. S.O.U.L has garage sales with the proceeds going to help out those in need, it’s a fundraiser for the organization, but it’s also for the public to come and get great prices on clothes, kitchen supplies, and furniture and more. I was glad to help out for the day, it was the least that I could do for S.O.U.L." – Jamie
"I am a counselor at National Society Advisor at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn. This past Christmas season, it was brought to my attention from one of my students, that there was support needed for an organization called S.O.U.L. I felt that helping out this organization was just what our National Honor Society needed!!!! At one of our meetings, Ashely came very prepared to speak to her peers and explain what their involvement would be and the affect it would have on others. At the end of the meeting, the students were definitely excited to be involved. The students put their hearts and S.O.U.L.s into the project. We have decided that we will also work with S.O.U.L during the Easter season to bring necessities and joy to others." – Gail Welmers
"I was asked to take some food out to a single woman and her family who had come upon hard times. As I drove and thought about what I had offered to do and how the person on the other end must be feeling about having somebody reach out to them in a time of need, my heart started filling with that unconditional love. As I arrived at the home where I was suppose to deliver the boxes of food, I was so full of life that it is hard to explain but the most touching moment for me was to come. An older woman answered the door and when I asked if she was the name I was given of the woman I was suppose to deliver the boxes to, she told me that was her daughter and she would get her god to bless us for what we had done for her. I thought to myself I have not really done anything at all except maybe drive a little past where I lived to be able to drop these things off, but that was nothing. As I was invited into the home I was greeted by two little boys who were so curious as to who I was and what I was doing there. The young mother of these young children appeared with a bit of a twinkle in her eye, but at the same time the look of being very tired of all that life had given her to take on. As I set down my first load and turned to go get the next load the boys were peering into the boxes of food I had just set down. He was so excited by all the chooses that he had to eat now, and asked mom who is he where did he come from? I could hear them asking their mother as I went to get the next load of boxes, and as I entered the door the next time the youngest of the two boys was right there. And he looks at me and says "are you Santa Clause?" Myself totally taken back and at a loss for words his mother replied to him "Yes in a way he is Santa Clause", and right there and then I could not have asked anything more from my holiday's I had just received the biggest miracle I could have ever asked for! It reminded me what the holidays are really all about, I would not have had this experience with out the wonderful people connected to S.O.U.L." – Tim T.
"I was asked to head up the holiday program this year and even though I questioned myself due to my own personal health issues, I accepted the position. I am so grateful that I took the position, my previous experiences of participating were pretty incredible but this was like no other. I experienced so many beautiful things: overwhelming love, unwavering faith and a belief in myself and the beautiful, giving spirit of others like I had never before. Every day was Christmas for me, something miraculous opened itself to me every day. I appreciated being able to see people from all over become so alive and engaged in making sure that our families in need had all of their needs met. I witnessed people from all back grounds and positions in life coming together; people who themselves were either financially challenged or dealing with their own medical issues, give so generously. I saw people who already give yearly to organizations of their own that willingly joined our cause. I saw young people still in high school that had homework, after school activities and athletic responsibilities give of their time, their creativity with fund raising, and who at times gave much needed energy to keep things moving. I witnessed their parents adjusting holiday plans to accommodate their child's desire to participate in the program and some even offered a hand. I had business executives, teachers, high school counselors, friends, family, neighbors, old business acquaintances and so many more that opened their hearts to us. I was equally amazed at the moments that we shared with the families that were in need; they touched my heart by their expressions of gratitude. It was so beautiful to share tears, hugs, joy and to witness the weight of the world being lifted from their tired shoulders for a moment. I have learned a lot about life and myself through this experience, I am the one that has been truly blessed by all of this. I received the most beautiful gift of all, I had no idea that it would turn out that way. Thank you S.O.U.L. for adding to my life and giving me this opportunity, it has been a pleasure." – Lora
"Being unemployed, I couldn't donate money- but bringing things we didn't need or couldn't use anymore was my way of helping out. As a volunteer, I donated clothing, furniture, toys etc. whenever I could. Besides, as I told one of the staff volunteers, it helped me clear the clutter! The homeless have always been a concern of mine, especially when children are involved. Having gone through a divorce, bankruptcy and foreclosure with four children of my own made me acutely aware of what can happen to someone financially, emotionally and even physically during times of crisis. Then, when the Holidays were drawing near, I was asked if I myself needed help with gifts and food for a nice dinner. I was really surprised -and very grateful because I had no idea if I would have anything to wrap... My 11 year old said it was the best Christmas he ever had! I will always be appreciative for the unexpected food and gifts- and the love that came with them. Thank you S.O.U.L." – Rebecca