Happy National Volunteer Week!
This week, we want to send a special thank all our incredible volunteers who help sort and pack lifesaving aid.
Without their hard work, important items like shoes, clothing, hygiene products, and more would just sit in our warehouse, waiting to be processed. Our volunteers’ dedication ensures these supplies get into the hands of the people around the world who need them most.
To show our appreciation, we’re celebrating two volunteers who embody our mission to provide help and hope worldwide:
Olivia Eshelman
In her free time, Olivia can be found hiking, thrifting, or listening to vinyl records
Olivia is currently a junior at Liberty University, where she’s studying Public Health. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in global health.
Originally from Florida, Olivia was already familiar with World Help before moving to Lynchburg for school. In fact, Olivia’s mother and friends have driven all the way from Florida just to volunteer in our warehouse!
So, when Olivia was looking for an opportunity to serve, she knew World Help was the perfect place to start — and she has loved every moment of her experience here!
She shared that one of the things she loves most about volunteering is being able to make a tangible impact on people’s lives around the world while also connecting with others in the Lynchburg community.
When we asked Olivia about her favorite memory serving, she said it was her first day volunteering in the warehouse. At first, she felt nervous about walking in alone … but her fears were immediately put to rest! Olivia was greeted at the door, welcomed inside, and given a tour before beginning to help unbox and sort through donated clothing.
“I felt so welcomed by both the World Help team and the people volunteering alongside me. I remember being so excited the whole volunteer shift, and as soon as I left, I signed up for more volunteer slots,” Olivia said.
Trevor Spiron
Trever is known for his disc golf and woodworking skills
Trevor is also a junior at Liberty University, where he’s studying Youth Ministry with hopes of becoming a youth pastor after graduation. He currently works in the university’s broadcasting department.
As a Lynchburg local, Trevor heard about World Help growing up since our office is located just down the road from his grandparents’ business. However, it wasn’t until his girlfriend invited him to volunteer that Trevor decided to get involved.
Can you guess who that is? It’s Olivia!
Since then, Trevor has become a regular volunteer at World Help. He enjoys connecting with other volunteers and helping keep them engaged in the mission.
“I like to work hard, especially when I know it’s for something greater and bigger than myself,” Trevor said.
One memory he’ll always remember is sorting through a miscellaneous bin of donated items that were headed for Peru. He never knew what he’d pull out of the bin next, and he enjoyed sharing surprising items he pulled out with the other volunteers.
Trevor is also a junior at Liberty University, where he’s studying Youth Ministry with hopes of becoming a youth pastor after graduation. He currently works in the university’s broadcasting department.
Thank you again to Olivia, Trevor, and our other incredible volunteers for being the hands and feet of Jesus around the world.
Our Community Engagement Manager, Kelley Heelan, has a special message for you:
“Thank you to our World Help volunteers who make help and hope possible every day! Your time and dedication towards doing something that will outlive you and last for the rest of eternity truly changes lives all around the world.”
We hope to see you in the warehouse soon! You can click here to find a time slot that works for you. And don’t forget to invite a significant other, family member, or friend to join!