Some of our most dedicated volunteers wear uniforms you might not expect.

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight recognizes the incredible men from the Catawba Correctional Facility who faithfully volunteer with The Corner Table. While they are incarcerated, they have chosen to use their time to serve others, and our community is better because of it.

Their impact begins long before they walk through our doors. They plant, grow, and maintain a one-acre garden that provides fresh produce for the meals we serve. But their service doesn’t stop there. Nearly every week, they join us to prep food, cook, mop floors, sweep, unload trucks, organize our freezer, sort donations, serve lunch, take out the trash, and tackle whatever needs to be done. No job is too small, and every task is met with hard work, humility, and a smile.

When we asked what volunteering means to them, their answers spoke volumes.

“It’s gratifying to volunteer.”

“I enjoy giving back.”

“I love being able to help.”

“The garden is like life—you get what you put into it.”

“Seeing the smiles of the guests we serve is rewarding.”

“Somebody receives something from the tasks we complete.”

“Everyone is grateful and thankful we’re there.”

“Thank you for allowing us to volunteer and help out.”

Many of these men have volunteered with us for five to nine months, and during that time they’ve reminded us of something important: every person has something meaningful to contribute when they’re given the opportunity.

At The Corner Table, we believe compassion, dignity, and community have the power to change lives, not just for the people receiving a meal, but also for those serving it.

To the men from Catawba Correctional Facility: thank you for choosing to invest your time, your effort, and your hearts into serving others. Your work feeds our neighbors, strengthens our mission, and reminds us all that hope can grow in the most unexpected places.

The Corner Table is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation