A Different Kind of Celebration on Super Bowl Sunday

In 2010, the Trinity Lutheran Community Outreach program served 3,691 meals and distributed more than 84,000 pounds of fresh produce to 239 Lakewood households every month.

The Lakewood-based organization did all of that with the help of about 200 volunteers.

Those volunteers were recognized for their efforts at a special event at the Detroit Avenue church on Super Bowl Sunday. Three tables of food — provided by 56 West — were laid out for people who spend their free time making sure others don’t go hungry.

TLCO runs food programs Garden of Peace and Plenty, Neighbor Support (backpack programs), four and the Wellness Project/Faith Community Nursing programs.

The basement of the was packed with about 100 people who pitched in to support those programs during the past year.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without all of you,” said Jason Weiner, event coordinator and TLCO advisory board member. 

"TLCO's volunteer event provided an opportunity for volunteers who don't normally work together to get to know one another. It also helped to remind us all of the critical role that volunteering plays in creating the kind of society that we want to live in."

The event featured two guest speakers: Kristin Warzocha, the vice president of external affairs at the Cleveland Foodbank, and Steven Bullock, the founder of The Bullock Group.

Warzocha is responsible for engaging the public regarding the Foodbank’s work in Northeast Ohio — distributing food to more than 600 organizations (including TLCO).

Bullock has spent decades of his life as a public servant, including as president of the American Red Cross. He now serves as an adjunct professor at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University.

Bullock talked about the importance of volunteering.

“I know a lot of you are prepared to watch the football game today, but there’s no one playing,” he said. “I am here as a lifetime volunteer and as a public servant. But my real reason for being here is to say ‘thank you.’ Thank you for the work you do as volunteers.”

Rev. Paula Maeder Connor, the executive director of the program, also thanked the volunteers for their hard work over the past year. She has seen the program sprout up during the last 15 years.

“Fiftteen years ago somebody said ‘Won’t Trinity serve a meal?’” she said. “And I said ‘Yes.’”

She closed her comments with a quote from an unknown author.

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”

For more information about TLCO, or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.trinitylakewood.org or call 216-226-8087.