Giving Back at Belkin House: Kitchen Duty & Clothing Drive

This winter, our team had the opportunity to return to Belkin House to support both kitchen duty and the clothing drive market on December 14, 21, and January 11, and 18. With a group of five to six volunteers each visit, we divided into two teams: one supporting the kitchen and the other running the clothing drive.

In the kitchen, our volunteers assisted with making sandwiches, cutting vegetables and cakes, filling drinks, cleaning, and serving residents. With the great guidance and support of Chef Mom and kitchen staff, the team worked efficiently while having lots of fun along the way. It was rewarding to be part of preparing and serving meals that bring comfort and nourishment to the residents.

Meanwhile, the clothing drive team worked closely with Belkin House staff, who kindly helped by bringing out additional donations from the storage room and setting up a table in the communal area to make the market more accessible and inviting. Throughout the month, we also received clothing donations from our volunteers, focusing mainly on winter essentials such as coats, jackets, blankets, socks, sweaters, and sweatpants, along with purses, shoes, hats, and other accessories.

We were so grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many residents while helping them find the right clothes, sizes, and styles they liked. We had so much fun picking out items and offering recommendations, and it was heartwarming to see residents leave with pieces that truly met their needs. Many shared how thankful they were to find items that would help keep them warm throughout the winter.

Helping out and connecting with the community at the start of the year made this experience both meaningful and a wonderful way to kick off 2026. We always love coming back to Belkin House to connect with the community, lend a helping hand, and support residents in many different ways. Seeing the smiles, hearing the gratitude, and working alongside such dedicated staff and volunteers reminds us why giving back is so important, and why Belkin House will always be a place we’re more than happy to return to.