When Loni Bell first moved to Tempe, she was searching for connection. After losing her husband, she found herself without a sense of community and unsure of how to move forward. She hoped that giving back might help her heal, so she decided to take a chance and volunteer at TCAA.
Nearly a year later, Loni is a steady, joyful presence in the food pantry three days a week. What began as an effort to lift herself up has grown into something she now treasures. She often describes the pantry as her happy place.
“I call this place my Disneyland because it’s a really happy feeling when you leave knowing that you helped a lot of people.” That sense of purpose stays with her long after each shift ends.
For Loni, volunteering gave her back her sense of community. From the moment she arrived, she felt surrounded by people who were positive, supportive, and patient, a kindness she says made her want to keep coming back. She’s grateful for the atmosphere TCAA has created and often reflects on how meaningful it has been in her own life: “Volunteering is healthy for your mind and for your soul. I don’t know what I would do without this place.”
TCAA feels the same about her. Loni’s enthusiasm, reliability, and compassion embody the spirit of the pantry. Her commitment to showing up for others, week after week, reflects the very heart of community care. We are honored to celebrate her as our Volunteer of the Month and even more honored to have her as part of our family.
