One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire me and remind me of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that Macaroni Kid Springfield launched this series to spotlight these special people. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
I first connected with Emilie Hisgen when mutual friends introduced us at a party. Through our chat that evening we learned that we both grew up in New York only a town away from each other but were now both raising our families in Wilbraham!
Since then, I have gotten to know Emilie more and truly admire her commitment to our community. Please get to know this local mom a little better by reading her answers to our questions.
What is my mission?
The Sandwich Ministry at St. Cecilia's in Wilbraham began last April. Deacon Andrew Nowicki wanted to start it in our community after volunteering for the Sandwich making group at St. Michael's in East Longmeadow and I volunteered to be a coordinator. For our first gathering, families came together and made 275 sandwiches to be brought down to Open Pantry's Loaves and Fishes Kitchen. It was awesome! Parents kept saying to me "I've been looking for something like this for my kids". Our mission is to serve those in need in our area but the bonus is that it's an introduction to volunteer work.
What do I want to accomplish?
Here are the details: We meet at St. Cecilia's on Main Street in Wilbraham on the 4th Saturday of every month. Volunteers may drop in anytime between 12-2PM. It only takes about a half hour to make sandwiches using the ingredients you bring. Volunteers are asked to bring items such as bread, meat and/or cheese (can be prepackaged does not have to be from the deli counter) or peanut butter and jelly. We supply plastic knives, sandwich bags, mustard (per Open Pantry no mayonnaise is allowed). We usually have peanut butter and jelly left over from the prior month so if people run out of supplies they are welcome to whatever else we have. I bring extra bread as that is typically the first thing we run out of. Some people call it Sandwich Club or Sandwich Making--whatever works it's all good.
What inspired/encouraged me to start?
Life gets hectic--this volunteer opportunity is only once a month and is fun! I think this is a great way to teach kids how to make time for those less fortunate. We've had kids come directly from games still in their uniforms, they make sandwiches with their friends and then they are off to the next event. What's rewarding to see is how they are working alongside their friends and realize that "Being kind is cool".
Throughout this process, I've learned a couple things. One is that a pound of meat will easily use up two loaves of bread! Two, kids want to be helpful and enjoy working together. The pride on their faces is obvious when they come up to me holding a stack of sandwiches reaching up to their chin.
Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
This is a great platform in a safe friendly environment where people of all ages can help without a huge time commitment. I have a picture of my 4 year old making sandwiches and I've posted it before with the line "Even my preschooler can do this!" We have parents stop in with their teenagers who bring a few friends along. We've had a second grade class visit and also a high school lacrosse team---everyone is welcome, clubs, play groups, teams. I also encourage people to bring a friend or neighbor along!
What part do my children play in my current mission? What lessons/values do I hope my children are learning?
Since this began, my kids are learning to prioritize. They know if it's a Sandwich Saturday then whatever else comes up takes a backseat. Helping others is important and as a family we make time for it. Now they ask what else can they can do? I would love to learn about more volunteer opportunities to keep the momentum going. Caring kids will grow up to be caring adults and that's what I hope for my own children.
What do I do to take care of myself and how do I make time to do it?
To take care of myself, I love to exercise. But like volunteering, I have to make time for it. When things like volunteering or exercising are built into your schedule then they just become part of your routine.
What can others do to support my mission in the community?
I would love for more people to make Sandwich Making part of their routine. Join us in the Parish Center on April 22 anytime between 12 and 2PM. Email me at eegan520@yahoo.com to learn more.
- HEATHER MONSON is on a mission to make sure children and families are mindful of others and compassionate to one another.
- MICHELLE CREAN is on a mission to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and to live a healthier lifestyle by providing in-home personal training and fitness nutrition guidance.
- SARAH REILLY is on a mission to bring more awareness and acceptance to the local Autism community.
- AMY CUTLER is on a mission to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and to raise funds for research so that there may one day be a cure.
- ANA FERRIS is on a mission to help people feel confident and empowered by exercise in order to have a healthy mind and heart.
- NIKKI CACI is on a mission to help women feel more confident through fashion!
- SALLY FULLER is on a mission to help all Springfield children learn to read.
- KATHERINE ZAHIROVIC is on a mission to educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyle skills.
- JENNIFER POWELL is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
- ALLISON GAYNOR is on a mission to spend as much of her free time helping people as she can.
- BECKY QUINN is on a mission to raise money and awareness for March of Dimes.
