Susan Lazarus, JFS Orlando Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry Volunteer
Longtime volunteer and friend of JFS Orlando, Susan Lazarus first moved to Orlando in the early 70s so that her husband, Lou, could work with David and Audrey Pearlman at Kanes Furniture. “…So I felt it was extra special to come full circle and volunteer at their namesake [the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry] after I retired from the school system in 2012.”
What she loves about volunteering at JFS is greeting the clients and knowing that she is making a positive impact on their lives. “The look of happiness on all clients’ faces is payment 10-fold for me!” One time, she was surprised to see a familiar face at the pantry door.
“One of my many joys at the Pantry was when I opened the door to find a family from my school and I was able to provide them with food and supplies to enjoy.”
Susan volunteering with JFS Orlando’s former Holiday Meal Delivery program in 2019
During the pandemic, Susan has assisted with the Gift Shop at Ohev and delivering holiday meals for Kinneret. “Although I have been fortunate to have stayed healthy and last month received my COVID shots, I still will not feel complete until I am able to return to the Pantry! The services that JFS provides are so necessary especially with the extra financial concerns of so many of our neighbors.”
Thank you, Susan, for your continued support of JFS through the years! We miss you too and we are so looking forward to when we can welcome you and all our other volunteers safely back to the Pantry.
Interested in helping your community by volunteering with JFS? Roles include helping out in the Pantry and behind-the-scenes office assistance. Although due to the pandemic volunteering at JFS Orlando is currently on hold, you can still begin your application for when the program re-opens by contacting us at 407-644-7593 ext.249 or Audrey.Cohen@JFSorlando.org.