Volunteer Spotlight

Doug Hummell

Excerpted from AROUND THE BASE - Flight attendant spotlight | Doug Hummell

Last month we shared that we’d like to use this newsletter to highlight some of the extraordinary adventures our flying partners embark on while not on our aircraft. We’d like to kick off this section by highlighting IAH-based flight attendant Doug Hummell. Doug discovered his passion through volunteer work and supporting his community. Doug was gracious enough to share a bit of his journey with us which you can read below. 

I have always been a frequent flyer, but when COVID happened, I had time to spare. In my 36 years of flying, it’s always been hard to join things, take classes or volunteer because my schedule varied so much. I discovered the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry online, a small neighborhood pantry just a few blocks from my house, which I hadn't known existed. I quickly registered and began my first shift bagging groceries for the next day's distribution. The Director, Terri, warmly welcomed me as a new volunteer, amidst numerous changes due to the pandemic being in full swing. There was so much uncertainty, and our food distribution was changing as the pandemic rules changed. Families who had never sought assistance before found themselves relying on us to feed their loved ones.

As the pandemic changed so did the food pantry, and I kept volunteering and learning new jobs. One day I would be loading grocery bags, next unloading pallets and the next shopping at local stores for items that weren’t donated. I met many new like-minded friends. My new volunteer friends come from all walks of life and range in age from teens to octogenarians.

As I kept volunteering, I learned all the jobs and can now fill in wherever needed. My current specialty is Intake Interviewer for our un-housed clients. I’ve learned that just like on the aircraft, sometimes people just need someone to talk to. I have clients that don’t necessarily come for food, but just a person to listen and care about them as a person. As the pandemic wound down, the communities’ need for help didn’t. We’re now serving more families and un-housed clients than ever. I volunteer whenever I can and even try to bid days off around the distribution schedule. For the last two years I’ve volunteered enough hours to receive the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award and my goal is to get the Silver award next year. I recently worked a 15-hour flight from Sydney, landed, rushed home to change clothes and went straight to the pantry to work a three-hour shift. Not only does it feel wonderful to help the people in my community in need, but it fills my soul to be with my newfound friends that also have the desire to help

I encourage everyone to find a need in your community and help out.  Find your passion.