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2023 Staff Resolutions

We are excited for the start of the New Year and for the continued opportunity to serve our neighbors in need in Houston. As we reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023, Target Hunger staff set resolutions for the new year. Read on to see what we’re bringing to 2023 and share your own resolutions with us! 

“I just want 2023 to be full of nothing but good changes in every aspect of life.” 

–  Mildred Reyes, Mobile Services Coordinator 

 

“This year, I will try to dedicate one day per month to some painting time! Painting has brought me joy since I was a child and it used to be a great pastime of mine, but over the years I’ve lost the hobby. I realize how much I miss it and how much it helped my mental health and self-care to have creative alone time. I’m no Picasso, but it’s a lot of fun! In 2023, I look forward to getting back in touch with my artistic side!” 

– Klarisa Perales, Office Manager 

 

“My new year resolution is to spend more time outside, whether that means taking my dogs on walks or even doing brunch on the patio. I also want to set up a good skin care routine and be consistent with my sunscreen use. Keeping positive vibes in 2023!” 

– Regina Ferral, Volunteer Manager 

 

“Try something new each month. Cook with less meat and focus on more plant-based foods.”

– Carrie Grzelak, Director of Development 

 

“Go to more concerts and live shows – I love music, art, and theatre and haven’t been able to attend many performances the last few years. I also want to renew my love of cooking by experimenting more with new recipes.” 

– Hannah Urie, Development & Communications Coordinator 

Meet Regina!

At the beginning of November, we welcomed a new member to the Target Hunger team – Regina! She joined as our new Volunteer Manager and has already kicked it into gear with our volunteers. We are so excited to have her on the team and can’t wait for you to meet her. We asked her a few questions to help you get to know her a bit, but we would love for you to meet her in-person at an upcoming volunteer opportunity! You can find opportunities and sign up at https://www.targethunger.org/volunteer. In the meantime, here are 13 questions with Regina:

 

Q: Where do you most want to visit in the world? 

A: Venice, before it sinks

Q: What is one thing you could not go a day without? 

A: Right now, TikTok. I have to at least watch some before bed. 

Q: If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? 

A: Talk to animals – Disney princess powers

Q: If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 

A: Beyonce, Oprah, Martha Stewart and Taylor Swift

Q: What was the last book you read? 

A: The Shining

Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? 

A: Salma Hayek LOL 

Q: What’s your favorite family recipe? 

A: Camarones al mojo de ajo aka spicy garlic shrimp

Q: What’s your favorite movie? 

A: Night at the Roxbury

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? 

A: Going to eat with friends

Q: What’s your favorite ice cream topping? 

A: Caramel but I’m more of a pie girl – key lime is my favorite.

Q: Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with? 

A: Andy Warhol

Q: What’s on your bucket list? 

A: Volunteer in the Galapagos   

Q: If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be? 

A: Gymnastics because they embody grace and strength

 

Feeding our Community for Thanksgiving

Preparing to Serve

As we do every year, Target Hunger staff and volunteers spent much of October and the beginning of November preparing for a big Thanksgiving distribution. Volunteers joined us in the warehouse to pack boxes full of Thanksgiving food, including shelf-stable milk, boxed macaroni, and even a special dessert surprise! All together, we prepared boxes for 1,300 families for the holiday. At our distributions, these kindly-packed boxes were given to clients alongside boxes of fresh produce and a turkey!

The first clients to receive their Thanksgiving goodies were homebound seniors, whose boxes were delivered straight to their doorstep through our DoorDash partnership. We are immensely grateful for this partnership that allows us to serve seniors and families unable to come to our pantry for food. Almost 300 families received Thanksgiving food this way. Hundreds of other families received their Thanksgiving distributions a one of our Community Partner Sites.

Feeding our Community for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Friday, November 18^th, was our first of three distributions. Wonderful team members from Kroger joined us in the 40-degree chill of the morning to load food into car trunks. The cold-weather couldn’t keep their joy at bay – they happily served over 100 families, including Joshua’s family. Joshua, his wife, and two sons expressed their gratitude for the holiday food. They were excitedly looking forward to the special meal, though older son, Joshua Jr., said he was still hoping to enjoy a PB&J instead of turkey as his main dish.

Our second distribution happened the following Monday, where we were joined by members of The Church Without Walls. This awesome group walked side by side with our clients to collect food and carry it to clients’ cars. The day was cold and rainy, but the volunteers served with a smile on their face and a warm greeting for each new person they helped. Over 150 families gratefully received their turkeys, including Jessica and her son, who promised us he would help his mom cook the turkey!

Tuesday was our last distribution and biggest day. Volunteers from Port Houston and Jack & Jill’s Houston Chapter arrived ready to go as clients lined up for blocks to receive their food. We served over 300 families on Tuesday, like Edna and her granddaughters. Edna, whose income is limited to her social security payments, said she was grateful for Target Hunger and the donors and volunteers that make the holidays special for families like hers.

Many clients expressed their thanks for the food as they drove through the line. More than food, they were grateful for a holiday where they didn’t have to worry, and could focus on being with those that matter most. We want to THANK YOU, for making these special days happen for our community and for making a difference in the lives of Joshua, Jessica, Edna, and the many other Houston families we serve. We truly could not do the work without you!