Volunteer Story: Sina Gross

Israeli-born Sina Gross grew up in New York and returned to live in Israel in 2000. Since 2005 she has been a core member of our Night-Time Pick Up team, donating three nights each week to collect  food from local catering halls for Leket Israel .

"At first, event staff members were really thrilled to see us. They felt terrible throwing all that edible food in the garbage can.  Today, they've come to expect us as the evening draws to an end, and saving left over food has become a standard part of their operations. Some (caterers) have even called my cell phone to ask what time I'd be arriving!"

Sina's initial motivation for joining Leket Israel was to contribute something tangible to those less fortunate than she is, and to provide a positive example for her three school-aged children.

"I have a tough time imagining the concept we call 'hunger'", she says. "The thought that children (or adults or the elderly) don't have enough food frightens me, especially because so much food in our society goes to waste.  

"I believe that the best way to teach a lesson is to set an example. I try to bring my kids with me when I go out, and my friends have also started volunteering. Even my work colleagues have asked to get involved.

"The best payoffs I get out of my work for Leket Israel are the interesting people I meet along the way, and the knowledge that I am making other peoples' lives better," she says.