August 2026

On Wednesdays, Hand in Hand has an amazing team that not only allows the Center to provide a delicious lunch but also creates opportunities for community, friendship, laughter, and support. Here's a chance to meet and learn more about the volunteer staff who make it all happen.

Meet Shirley Higgins, manager extraordinaire of all things food-related. She says her childhood was wonderful, with her family living alongside her grandparents and growing up in a neighborhood where every home had an open-door policy for the children.

About seven years ago, she was driving by 33 N. Stark Highway and stopped in. When asked, "Do you want to volunteer?" she immediately said yes and has been with the organization ever since.

Shirley oversees the food pantry, supervises kitchen operations, and serves everyone with her trademark big smile. She says, "It's the people we serve who keep me here." She finds joy in helping create a welcoming space where everyone who walks through the door feels comfortable sharing their stories and experiences.

As a child, Brian Sullivan (Sully) grew up in a large family where life revolved around the kitchen, so it is no surprise that cooking comes naturally to our talented cook. After retiring from a 40-year career in the auto parts industry, he was looking for a place to volunteer, and Hand in Hand was a natural fit.

Sully sees his role as more than simply providing a meal. He helps create a sense of family and belonging. He would love to see Hand in Hand continue to grow and become a beacon for the community, a welcoming place that gives people a sense of purpose.

An adventurer at heart and a lifelong musician, Sully plays the drums, guitar, and bass, and he sings as well. He says, "Food and music are two of life's greatest joys, and when you can bring them together, it's magic!" Indeed, he brings that magic to Hand in Hand.

Working behind the scenes is a kind, warm woman with a big smile who quietly brings out the best in others and brightens their day. That would be Diana Hutchinson, whom you will most often find washing dishes.

Diana hopes that she "can shine a light for others." When she first came to Hand in Hand, she immediately felt welcomed by its warm and approachable atmosphere. She also loves to shop and says the Thrift Shop is a great place to do just that.

She is excited about the move to a larger space that will allow us to welcome more seniors (50+) and create a place where they can feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and truly make the space their own.

Nancy Christian, who helps wherever she is needed, was once a shy, middle child in a family of seven. She enjoys rural life, raising goats and chickens, and has a special soft spot for animals.

Nancy has been involved with several community groups over the years. After retiring and finding herself with a more flexible schedule, she began looking for a meaningful way to spend her time. While visiting Hand in Hand with a friend, she saw firsthand how kind, welcoming, and friendly the growing lunch crowd was and knew she wanted to help that community continue to thrive.

She is looking forward to our move to larger quarters, where we will be able to accommodate more people and offer even more opportunities for the community.