Andy and Jacinta are engaged to be married!
Over five years ago, this incredible couple met and instantly bonded over their shared values and commitment to serving those in need in their community. Naturally, that led them to DESK.
Their volunteer journey started in Bridgeport, where they drove a food truck and distributed free meals. That program was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they sprang into action during those unprecedented times and delivered groceries each week to those in need in the greater New Haven area. When that program cut back services, they found the Drop-In Resource Center at DESK and have been serving there once a week ever since.
“Volunteering at DESK on Sundays is like [our] weekly church service. It’s often the highlight of our week. We love the familiar faces and appreciate the opportunity to check in on those we have grown to care for during our time at DESK,” said Jacinta. Their shared commitment to the community allows them to develop and maintain relationships with DESK clients like none other.
A few days before Valentine’s Day, Andy called our office asking to purchase matching aprons for him and Jacinta. When he arrived, he explained his grand plan and swore us to secrecy. Imagine our staff’s excitement to learn that DESK was incorporated into Andy’s proposal on Valentine’s Day! As Jacinta recounts, “Andy started Valentine’s Day with traditional gifts [such as] flowers, chocolates, and a card. Then to my surprise, he gifted me with a DESK apron, symbolizing our time volunteering together. This led to the ultimate gift, the engagement ring!”
Thank you Andy and Jacinta, for including us in your special moment and thank you for volunteering at DESK for almost two years!
At DESK, volunteers are both members of our broader community and part of our network of supporters and donors, and without their help, we would not be able to continue the great we do for those in need in our community.
If you or your group are interested in volunteering with us, you can reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Ryan, at volunteer@deskct.org or call (475) 238-6170.