Congratulations to Nilo Manfredini, our Volunteer of the Month for October! Nilo has been manning our Uptown food pantry every Thursday for 2 years now, and he is an incredible asset to our organization. Here are a few answers to questions about his experience:

How did you hear about Inspiration Corporation?
[I learned about Inspiration Corporation] through my doctor.

What is the most enjoyable part of volunteering for you?
Getting to know Jeff [Associate Director of Operations] and other staff members, and also some of the participants and interacting with them.

Nilo monitors and restocks the food pantry.

What aspect of volunteering are you most excited about? What is the most challenging?
Again, I would have to say the interaction with staff and the people. The most challenging is also some of the interactions with people who seem to have bad attitudes.

Why do you volunteer?
At first, it was on the advice of my doctor, but then I must say interacting with Jeff, whom I consider a true friend, and the appreciation of the people that I serve.

Describe one of the most interesting experiences you’ve had as a volunteer.
Meeting and getting to know Al…becoming friends with him and then losing him (Al passed away earlier this year). It was more than interesting but very moving.

What are your hobbies, besides volunteering?
Films…especially older classics and foreign and art house cinema. It is something I’ve shared with Jeff, and his involvement and feedback is something I really cherish.

What have you learned from your volunteer experience?
I have relearned just how good it is to give rather than receive. I have learned that providing service to people can be very rewarding as they show their appreciation. I have also learned that, though far and few between, some people can be difficult at times, and that has taught me both humility and patience.