Jewish Family Services is blessed to have dedicated and passionate volunteers. Among its volunteer heroes are Susan Kivett and her 18-year-old son, Gabe. A longtime JFS Food Pantry volunteer, Kivett and Gabe have both spent volunteer time with JFS’ various holiday projects including making Hanukkah Project deliveries.
Kivett came to JFS years ago seeking support when she was going through some tough times.
“JFS helped me in the past and that was my connection,” she said. Later, when she had children, she began volunteering for other organizations in the Jewish community. Concerned about food insecurity, Kivett wanted to help make a difference. When JFS opened its Food Pantry, she returned to the very agency that had supported her during challenging times. This was about nine years ago, and she has been helping JFS ever since.
“I used to volunteer once a month,” Kivett said, “I had a young family, I was teaching at The J (Jewish Community Center) and taking care of my mom. When she passed away, I began volunteering once a week and it grew to sometimes two and three times a week.”
It wasn’t long before Kivett brought Gabe along with her.
“He was little when he first came in, maybe about seven-years old,” Kivett said. “He’s wrapped with me during the Hanukkah Project and comes to the food pantry, but our passion is delivering High Holiday meals.”
Kivett said Gabe was about 12 years old when he truly understood the impact of their volunteer efforts. “A light bulb went off in his head, and he said, ‘Mom, these people wouldn’t be able to have the holiday if we didn’t bring them a meal.’ ”
Since then, Gabe has joined Kivett to help JFS — school and work schedules permitting.
Growing up, Kivett watched as her parents volunteered in the community, but they never took her along. She made the decision she wanted her kids on the front lines.
“It’s tikkun olam, and it is important we instill in our kids that we are fortunate,” she said. In addition, her daughter Rachel has joined her mom to help out.
“My husband even comes along sometimes,” Kivett said.
Kivett has found volunteering at JFS fulfilling in a number of ways. “It gives me a sense of purpose and meaning. I really lost that when I lost my mom,” she said. “There was this strong voice in my life. I have always had that passion for others.”
The Kivetts have helped many people through their JFS volunteer experiences.
“My most memorable experience was when a mother of five, whose husband left her soon after her baby was born, came for food assistance. Knowing we were there for her to have one less burden to worry about meant so much,” Kivett said. “It’s such a meaningful experience to know you are helping other people. We’re providing one less stress by feeding their families.”
For several years, the Kivett family has participated in the JFS Hanukkah Project.
“This year we adopted a 13-year-old girl and a one-year-old, and it was so much fun to shop,” Kivett said. “We do impact people’s lives. It may be a little thing, but to them it is the world.
“Times are so trying right now, but I see the impact the food pantry has on people.”
For more information about volunteering with JFS, email or call 913-730-1410.