Volunteers at Daly City Partnership do more than lend a hand—they help shape the heart of our community.
To celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we asked a few of our volunteers to share—in their own words—what inspires them to give their time, energy, and heart to Daly City Partnership (DCP).
Read what inspires our volunteers to support the community and what keeps them coming back to DCP.
Hector – Volunteer, 3.5 Years
For Hector, volunteering is personal.
“Payback,” he says, when asked what inspires him to give his time to Daly City Partnership. “When I was disabled, people helped push me in a wheelchair. So I volunteer.”
He’s been a part of our food bank team for three and a half years, and what keeps him coming back is both the community and the impact. “The people that volunteer here are pretty friendly and great workers,” he shares. “They generally don’t need directions and know what to do. The people that receive food are in need and friendly—and they leave happy.”
When asked to describe volunteering at DCP in one word, his answer came without hesitation:
“Heaven.”
Renee Martinez – Volunteer, 2.5 Years
After retiring with a disability, Renee was searching for a way to stay connected—and found it at Daly City Partnership.
“I wanted to give back to my community,” she says. “Being able to feel a part of community again after retiring with a disability has meant everything.”
She appreciates the breadth of services DCP offers—support for seniors, assistance for unhoused individuals, food distribution, and more. But when asked what keeps her coming back, Renee doesn’t hesitate:
“Hands down, the volunteer team and the relationships we’ve created with each other. We are fully supported by our boss, and that’s inspired me to learn more.”
Her one word to describe volunteering here?
“Fulfilling.”
Daniel (Señor)– Volunteer, 3 Years
After running his own business in Colma, Daniel saw retirement as an opportunity—not to slow down, but to give back.
“To help the people,” he says. “After having my own business in Colma, my retirement is about giving back to my friends and former clients—one joke at a time. I love my community.”
What keeps him coming back? “Good time together with other volunteers. Every day I get to help out—and the home deliveries to homebound seniors are the most meaningful to me. We know each of our clients’ names, and it warms my heart to give back.”
His word to describe volunteering at DCP:
“Heartwarming.”
Why They Keep Coming Back
Adrianne – Volunteer, 2 Years
“I feel that my time is well spent. I’m appreciated by both the staff and the consumers.”
John – Volunteer, 3 Years
“After you work with people, you become friends. It’s nice to mingle with people. As a widower, it helps my mind.”
Annette – Volunteer, 4 Years
“I like having a place to share and grow friendships.”
Our volunteers are the reason so much is possible at Daly City Partnership. They bring their lived experiences, their humor, their empathy—and they remind us that community is not something we have, but something we build together.