During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize the individuals and partners who show up, day in and day out, to support our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and care. At Catholic Charities Community Services’ Day Labor Program in Yonkers and the Bronx, a core of exemplary volunteers embodies that spirit of service as they feed their neighbors.
At a recent community garden volunteer day in Yonkers, staff, volunteers, and day laborers came together to transform the space. What unfolded was a powerful reflection of what it means to be in community.
“This is the epitome of what our program stands for,” shared Alexa Mayorquin, a Training Coordinator in the Bronx and Yonkers Office. “People give what they can, and it inspires others to give even more.”
Throughout the day, volunteers shared knowledge, built connections, and stepped into leadership. Day laborers guided volunteers through hands-on tasks, demonstrating how to use tools and organize the workflow. One volunteer, Alberto, a consistent presence at the center, naturally took on a leadership role, coordinating efforts and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
“He’s part of our family, and we’re part of his,” Mayorquin explained. “There’s trust there. That’s what makes everything work.”
For Community Organizer Joann Torres, the garden itself represents something much deeper than growing food. “It becomes a place of healing, collaboration, and opportunity,” she said. “People feel pride and ownership. They feel valued.”
The garden, now maintained by participants who each care for their own planting boxes, provides fresh vegetables for their families and the broader community. Last year, participants harvested cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes.
“Sometimes they bring food in, cut it up, and share it with everyone,” Torres said. “That’s what community looks like.”
This same spirit of generosity is reflected in the program’s many community partnerships. Local organizations and businesses such as Chick-fil-A consistently step up to meet immediate needs, ensuring that day laborers have access to prepared meals, baked goods, water, and essential resources.
“Some of our workers come in without having eaten,” Mayorquin shared. “Knowing there’s something here for them matters more than people realize.”
Even in challenging circumstances, the commitment from volunteers never wavers. On the day of the garden project, despite freezing temperatures, volunteers arrived ready, with tools in hand and a willingness to serve.
“They walked in like they were ready for anything,” Torres recalled. “Not everyone wants to do this kind of work, but they did. And they did it with heart.”
Heart is what keeps volunteers coming back. They know who they are serving, and they see firsthand the impact of their efforts.
“It’s personal,” Mayorquin said. “They’re not just volunteering; they’re connecting.”
When asked to describe the impact of the day in a single word, the answers were simple yet powerful.
“Community,” said Torres.
“Love,” added Mayorquin. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”
To learn more and get involved with our volunteer efforts, visit here: https://catholiccharitiesny.org/volunteer/
