Compassion
EVERY DAY IS A LESSON BY SARABETH BROWNROBIE
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orting, stickering, and repackaging donations is not what Madeline Laurenzano signed up for. But you’d never know that if you stumbled upon her carefully, and joyfully, processing donations at Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Grateful Bread Food Pantry. Laurenzano originally committed to be a one-year Volunteer and AmeriCorps member in our Child and Family Development Center in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. With her exuberant personality and cheerful demeanor, she was the perfect fit for the program. Laurenzano was excited about her placement. “I loved seeing the kids every day and learning different techniques. Putting lessons together was super fun,” she explained. By the spring, COVID-19 had made it necessary to shut the center down which significantly impacted Laurenzano’s service experience. "When the center closed, we just deep cleaned and organized. I was sad that I couldn’t see the kids,” she said. “I kept busy filling in at Grateful Bread and organizing photos for the CAP archive.” Tina Bryson, assistant director of Communications, was grateful for Laurenzano's flexibility. “It is important that CAP remains true to our mission, and photographs help us tell that story
28 The Mountain SPIRIT
of the great work CAP has been doing in Appalachia since the 1960s. This was a great example of how CAP works together. Communications had a need in preserving CAP’s history and the Volunteer Program needed some flexible opportunities for volunteers who wanted to stay. It was a win-win.” As the pandemic progressed, volunteers were offered the chance to serve remotely or abbreviate their service. Since Laurenzano had a vacation planned, she left for a short while to help her parents pack for a move. The precautions CAP put in place made Laurenzano feel good about returning after that vacation. She felt deeply connected to CAP’s mission and wanted to see the year through. “I felt comfortable coming back,” she said. “I’m still scared of getting sick, but it’s something that I committed to, so I wanted to come back and serve.” Upon her return, Laurenzano immediately jumped in to help with the Summer Feeding Program (SFP). “Madeline was so enthusiastic about giving out lunches and snacks to the children. She didn’t care if it was 91 degrees or raining, she made sure each family felt special. She made an uncertain summer so much better for our youngest
