Holcomb said her interest in Saints Pantry stems from her own childhood pain.

“When I was growing up, my mom abandoned my sisters and I, and for three months, we were on our own. We had to figure out how to feed ourselves, so I have a connection with those who are hungry and need help,” said Holcomb.

She said what she likes most about her work at Saints Pantry is that people who come in really need the food and are appreciative of all they receive.

“Everyone is so grateful and they don’t take more than they need. If they are offered something they already have enough of, they will say, ‘I’m good; save that for someone else who needs it.’ It’s heartwarming to see that,” Holcomb said.

She explained the philosophy at Saints Pantry is to not look down on those who need services.

“No one judges you. It doesn’t matter if you are dirty, or whatever, you are a person: a human being worthy of dignity and respect,” she said.

Holcomb has also taken on the task of keeping her co-workers and supervisor involved with Saints Pantry.

“After the MGH&FC challenge ended, I picked up the ball and got my co-workers to continue donating food and helping in other ways. The hospital has supported me by working around my schedule at Saints Pantry, my boss and co-workers have donated a lot of food, and they let me talk at meetings to let them know what the current needs are at Saints Pantry,” said Holcomb.

She explained that summer is a low donation time for Saints Pantry because people are out enjoying the weather and donating is not always on their minds.

“Saints Pantry always needs to be rebuilding its food stock, even after a major food drive,” said Holcomb, adding that other needs include toilet paper and personal hygiene supplies.

“The problem isn’t going to go away, so we need people to continue donating food, especially in the summer,” she said.

For Holcomb, volunteering has become a way to honor a legacy given to her by her father, who stepped in and raised her after her mother left.

“My dad always said, “Put your hand down and pick someone else up,”, and giving back to the community by volunteering at Saints Pantry is her way to do just that.

For more information about Saints Pantry, visit their web site at http://www.saintspantry.org.