Testimonials
It has been most rewarding to hear what volunteers, sponsors, or homeless persons have to say about our event.
Click HERE to share your experience with us.
Dear Good Neighbor Volunteer Chair & Committee Heads, Thank you for your altruistic efforts to bring about such a memorable humble moment each year. Each of you do all the planning and arranging, then all we have to do is show-up, and fill in, wherever we are needed. All though the Food Tent area, where I was signed up to work ,was a little over crowded with more assistants than needed, I just kept my eyes opened for mothers and fathers that came through the line with their little children and their hands full and then I offered to assist with carrying plates of food and beverages for them. One of our neighbor’s asked if I could carry her baby instead, of the food and drinks. My daughter Brandee & Niece Sidney, scooped handfuls of Ranch & Nacho chips, like never before! Then it was nice to have been able to go out and cut the rug a little and dance with our good neighbors! Thank you all again, for an enjoyable event.
- Larrinda Lyles, Volunteer '2009
Offering the picnic concept to those, especially children, who are experiencing challenges in their lives is a wonderful event! A day of playing and eating is a terrific way to spend one's time- in a safe environment. Smell the food, select apparel, walk the park grounds, listen to the music...melt the cares away. It has been accentuated now that the date has been moved to a possible warmer date.
The years have brought more professionalism to the generating of the event, permitting us to reach more people. It, also, allows us to have more diversity in the items offered: clothing (especially coats) , toiletries, entertainment, art projects, varied games, and FOOD. There are MANY volunteer positions that are guaranteed to suit anymone wishing to volunteer...just try it, you'll be glad you did! Clients or Volunteers: one will NOT know the difference as we serrve one another, interact with one another.
The years have brought more professionalism to the generating of the event, permitting us to reach more people. It, also, allows us to have more diversity in the items offered: clothing (especially coats) , toiletries, entertainment, art projects, varied games, and FOOD. There are MANY volunteer positions that are guaranteed to suit anymone wishing to volunteer...just try it, you'll be glad you did! Clients or Volunteers: one will NOT know the difference as we serrve one another, interact with one another.
- Lin, Volunteer/Chair '2009
I am a student in the College of Social Work at the Ohio State University. One class syllabus required particpation as volunteers in a community project. A friend and I chose the Good Neighbors Picnic. I was so impressed with how well coordinated the event was. Everywhere I looked there were smiles. From the food to the clothing, entertainment, clothing, activities for the children, and transportation, everything was presented with a joyous, carefree, and giving outlook. A great experience. The beaming faces of the children captured the moment and carried the day for me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part and make a difference, if only for a day in the lives of the homeless!
- Dave Simmons, Volunteer '2008
I was moved at the sight of all those people at the picnic on October 22nd. It gives you a chilling demographic of the huge male homeless population Columbus has. This kind of experience is best shared and changes you in ways you cannot imagine. I saw myself come in with two coats, a pair of gloves and a hat. I saw myself leave with barely the sweater on my back – and my car of course. When I saw the children without protection from the winter cold and the coats running out in the makeshift store, I felt a pull in a strange direction. I proceeded to run out to the Goodwill center and buy up 10 coats and hats to bring back so that I could do my small part in helping these people. More should get in on something that can truly humble a proud individual. And in today’s world, we could all do with a little more humility – it would make the world a better place.
- Joe, Volunteer ‘2005
