A beloved volunteer and a fond farewell . . .
This month the milk bank bids a fond (if reluctant) farewell to longstanding volunteer, Melanie Ullman. Having generously helped at the milk bank for twelve years, Melanie has played a significant role in our transformation from a small, developing non-profit to a much-expanded organization. Truly, she’s been here through it all.
Melanie found the milk bank in 2011 when a friend and nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital responded to her inquiry about good volunteer opportunities with, “I have the perfect place for you!” The rest, as they say, is history.
A vital part of a vital mission . . .
Melanie describes, “loving being part of our vital mission to make sure babies get the nutrition they need.” While staff changed over the years, she says one thing that has remained constant is how “compassionate, kind and welcoming” the team is. Friendly, warm and committed to doing good work, it’s the people who kept Melanie returning year after year. And we’re so glad she did!
A former librarian, Melanie is a pitch-in-wherever-needed kind of person. Open, enthusiastic and detail oriented, it’s hard to miss that collaborative spirit of hers. Willing to do those necessary but sometimes repetitive tasks, we appreciate every bottle labeled and shipment prepped over the years.
Midwest nice and proud of it . . .
Melanie and her husband are relocating to the Midwest, where she grew up, to be closer to her children. We know that it’s high praise when Melanie declares our milk bank “a tiny oasis of Midwest nice.” Melanie’s love for our mission is well imprinted on her. In fact, she’s already planning to contact our Midwest based sister milk bank. While we may be slightly envious, we love knowing she’ll continue helping to ensure that babies who need donor milk have access to it.
Thank you, Melanie, for the many years of caring, support and friendship. You are part of our fabric. You will be missed.
(Pictured below from L-R, some of our longest serving volunteers, Linda, Melanie and Louise)
Volunteer or hero? We think both!
Here at the milk bank, we really appreciate our volunteers. And while we really don’t like to brag, it’s clear the feeling is mutual! ** wink! **
On a more serious note, we welcome volunteers of all ages and experience levels as valued members of the milk bank team. Even better yet? We’re super flexible! Love graphic design? Want more lab experience? Organizing sparks joy? Have something completely different in mind? Let’s talk!
P.S. Don’t forget, you can always volunteer on behalf of a company or school.
